Prime Minister Tobgay praised India’s advancements in green hydrogen
In a significant event aimed at promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, India showcased its latest advancements in green hydrogen technology to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and his delegation. The live demonstration, held in New Delhi on Monday (October 21, 2024), saw the Bhutanese Prime Minister take a ride in a hydrogen-fuelled bus powered by IndianOil.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas described the bus as a game-changer – emitting no CO2 or pollutants, only pure water, and representing India’s leadership in decarbonization.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to share his delight. “I am delighted that PM Tshering Tobgay was able to sit on the Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus. Such a Bus is a part of our efforts to boost sustainability and contribute to a greener future for the coming generations,” he said.
The event was led by India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and was attended by senior officials from the ministry, including IndianOil Chairman and Director (Marketing) V Satish Kumar.
During the demonstration, Puri emphasized India’s leadership in green hydrogen innovation, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges. “India’s strides in green hydrogen are a testament to our commitment to sustainable energy solutions. We are eager to extend our expertise and collaborate with regional partners like Bhutan to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future,” stated Puri.
He highlighted India’s ongoing projects, such as hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines and the localisation of electrolyzer-based technologies, as part of a broader strategy to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
Bhutan’s delegation, led by Prime Minister Tobgay, expressed keen interest in adopting green hydrogen mobility solutions, which align with Bhutan’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Known for its focus on renewable energy, particularly hydropower, Bhutan sees green hydrogen as a natural extension of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy across the region.
Prime Minister Tobgay praised India’s advancements in green hydrogen and noted the potential for collaboration between the two nations in developing sustainable transportation solutions. “Bhutan is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, and India’s experience in green hydrogen technology provides valuable insights for our own journey towards cleaner energy solutions,” remarked Prime Minister Tobgay during the event.
“We are excited about working with Bhutan, a pioneer in sustainability and respect for nature, to share knowledge and explore opportunities for adopting green hydrogen mobility. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to the environment and clean energy, helping us meet decarbonization targets,” said the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
India’s Ambitious Plans to Become Global Leader in Green Hydrogen Production
IndianOil, a pioneer in hydrogen research since 2004, has been at the forefront of India’s green hydrogen revolution. The company initially focused on hydrogen-CNG blends but has significantly expanded its green hydrogen initiatives in recent years. These efforts now include storage, transportation, and diverse applications of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
One of IndianOil’s key achievements is the establishment of India’s first hydrogen dispensing station, located at the IndianOil R&D Centre in Faridabad. This station has played a critical role in the ongoing research and development of hydrogen-powered transportation solutions. In collaboration with Tata Motors, IndianOil has also developed and deployed green hydrogen fuel cell buses, which serve as a model for the future of eco-friendly transportation in India.
Currently, eight hydrogen fuel cell buses are operational in the Delhi NCR region, including one each for the Indian Army and Indian Navy. Additionally, four buses have been deployed in Vadodara, where they are refueled at IndianOil’s hydrogen dispensing station.
During the demonstration, Puri outlined India’s ambitious plans to become a global leader in green hydrogen production. As the world looks to transition away from fossil fuels, India has positioned itself at the forefront of green energy innovation. The country’s focus on hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, the promotion of bio-pathways for hydrogen production, and the development of electrolyzer technologies are key components of India’s strategy to meet its decarbonization targets.
“Green hydrogen holds immense potential in helping India meet its decarbonization goals,” Puri emphasized. “With the right policies and international partnerships, India is poised to emerge as a global champion in green hydrogen production and export. This will not only help reduce our carbon emissions but also create new economic opportunities in the energy sector.”
India’s green hydrogen initiatives are closely aligned with its broader environmental and economic goals, which include reducing dependence on fossil fuels, promoting renewable energy, and creating a sustainable energy future.
India’s proactive approach in showcasing its green hydrogen advancements to Bhutan reflects the broader regional efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging its expertise in hydrogen technology, India aims to assist its regional partners in transitioning to cleaner, greener transportation systems, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
India’s demonstration of green hydrogen mobility to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay marks a critical milestone in the two countries’ ongoing collaboration on sustainable energy solutions. As both nations work towards reducing their carbon footprints and promoting renewable energy, the event underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges.
With India leading the charge in green hydrogen innovation, and Bhutan expressing strong interest in adopting these technologies, the future of clean energy collaboration between the two nations looks brighter than ever.
Article Credit: indianewsnetwork