IndianOil unveils India's first green hydrogen-powered bus

IndianOil, India's leading oil corporation, has embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor by introducing the nation's first green hydrogen-fueled bus, emitting only water as its byproduct.

In a commendable stride towards replacing conventional fossil fuels with environmentally friendly alternatives, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is set to produce approximately 75 kg of green hydrogen through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources. This hydrogen will power two buses conducting trial runs within the national capital region.

Revolutionizing the Fuel Landscape:

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who flagged off these innovative buses, emphasized the pivotal role hydrogen will play in India's transition away from fossil fuels. The IOC's Research and Development Centre located in Faridabad is spearheading the production of green hydrogen for this pilot program.

Each bus is equipped with four cylinders, each capable of holding 30 kg of hydrogen, enabling them to cover a substantial 350 km on a single fill-up, which takes merely 10-12 minutes.

The Environmental Edge of Hydrogen:

Hydrogen combustion stands apart as an eco-conscious choice, as it emits only water vapor when burned. With three times the energy density of traditional fuels and a complete absence of harmful emissions, hydrogen emerges as a cleaner and more efficient energy source to meet diverse requirements.

Energy and Resource Requirements:

The production of one kilogram of green hydrogen necessitates approximately 50 units of renewable electricity and 9 kg of deionized water. This underscores the importance of sustainable energy sources in the hydrogen production process.

Future Expansion: By the end of 2023, IndianOil plans to scale up the fleet to 15 buses. Operational trials will encompass 15 fuel cell buses powered by green hydrogen, covering designated routes in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

The launch of the first set of two fuel cell buses marks a significant milestone in this ambitious initiative.

India's Commitment to Sustainability:

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reaffirmed the Indian government's commitment to clean and green energy. India is taking robust steps towards low-carbon development through emerging fuels like hydrogen and biofuels. India is poised to account for 25% of the global incremental energy demand growth over the next two decades.

A Leap Towards Global Hydrogen Leadership:

The introduction of these hydrogen-powered buses is poised to revolutionize urban transportation in India and holds the potential to transform the country from a net fossil energy importer to a significant exporter of clean hydrogen energy. This endeavor positions India as a global leader in technology transfer, green hydrogen production, and manufacturing parts supply.

The Hydrogen Revolution:

Hydrogen is hailed as the fuel of the future, with substantial potential to aid India in achieving its decarbonization goals. Globally, hydrogen demand is anticipated to surge four to seven times, reaching 500-800 tonnes by 2050.

India's domestic demand is set to quadruple, from the current 6 tonnes to 25-28 tonnes by 2050. Public sector oil and gas companies aim to produce approximately 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

A Transformative Project of National Significance:

Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed his enthusiasm for this green hydrogen-powered bus project, highlighting its potential to propel India into a leading role as a green hydrogen producer and supplier while setting a stellar example for technology adoption and environmental sustainability.

Additional information

• Hydrogen is considered the fuel of the future, with immense potential to help India meet its decarbonization targets.

• The global demand for hydrogen is expected to increase by four to seven times to 500-800 tonne by 2050.

• Domestic demand is expected to increase by four times, from the current 6 tonne at present to 25-28 tonne by 2050.

• Oil and gas PSUs shall produce around 1 million tonne per annum of green hydrogen by 2030.