India's leap into green mobility: Country's first green hydrogen fuel cell bus launched at Kartavya Path
This monumental initiative marks the first-ever instance in India of dispensing green hydrogen at a pressure of 350 bar to fuel these revolutionary buses
In an extraordinary leap towards a sustainable future, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the visionary Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, is poised to ignite a revolution in green mobility. On the monumental date of September 25, 2023, he will usher in a new era as he flags off the very first Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus at the historic Kartavya Path in Delhi.
This pioneering endeavor represents a monumental shift towards eco-conscious transportation. Green Hydrogen, harnessed from renewable energy sources, stands as a beacon of hope in our quest for low-carbon and self-sufficiency. Its remarkable potential lies in its ability to harness domestically abundant renewable resources throughout the year, across diverse sectors, and as both a clean fuel and an industrial raw material. In a bold stride forward, it can seamlessly replace fossil fuel-based feedstocks in vital sectors such as petroleum refining, fertilizer production, and steel manufacturing.
Innovation takes the wheel with the power of Fuel Cells, a transformative technology driving the e-mobility revolution. Hydrogen, as the fuel of choice for Fuel Cells, sparks an electrochemical reaction that elegantly converts hydrogen at the anode and oxygen from the air at the cathode into water, all while liberating electrical energy in the form of electrons. This cutting-edge technology boasts unparalleled efficiency, outshining conventional mobility options. Fuel cell vehicles offer distinct advantages, boasting impressive ranges and faster refueling times compared to their battery-powered counterparts. Hydrogen gas is securely compressed and stored onboard, typically at a pressure of 350 bar, ensuring a safe and efficient journey.
Witnessing a landmark moment in India's sustainable transportation journey, IndianOil spearheads a scientifically designed program. Operational trials of 15 Fuel Cell buses, fueled by Green Hydrogen, will commence along carefully selected routes spanning Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The inaugural chapter unfolds on the auspicious day of September 25, 2023, as the first set of 2 fuel cell buses embarks on their maiden voyage from the iconic India Gate. This monumental initiative marks the first-ever instance in India of dispensing green hydrogen at a pressure of 350 bar to fuel these revolutionary buses. IndianOil's commitment to innovation is further exemplified by the establishment of a state-of-the-art dispensing facility at their R&D campus in Faridabad, where green hydrogen is refueled through electrolysis powered by solar PV panels.
The road ahead stretches far and wide, promising long-term impact and boundless future prospects. With these initial 2 buses, a collective mileage of over 3 lakh kilometers will be traversed, subjecting this novel technology to rigorous trials that will gauge its performance and durability. The invaluable data generated through these trials will not only be a national treasure but also a guiding light, shaping the destiny of zero-emission mobility in our great nation, all driven by the limitless potential of green hydrogen. The future of transportation has arrived, and it's powered by innovation, sustainability, and the indomitable spirit of progress.