Explained: How Will India¡¯s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Help In Reducing Pollution

India¡¯s first indigenous Hydrogen fuel cell bus has been launched by the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology in Pune. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and KPIT Limited developed this first-ever hydrogen fuel cell bus.

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The Minister shared a video on Twitter providing a glimpse of the hydrogen fuel cell bus with a caption, ¡°....inspired by PM Modi National Green Hydrogen Mission, unveiled India's first indigenously developed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus developed by KPIT-#CSIR at #Pune, supported by Union Ministry of Science & Technology.¡±

How does a hydrogen fuel cell works?

As per the US Department of Energy, the hydrogen fuel cell work similar to the regular conventional batteries with only one difference i.e. they do not run out of charge and are not required to charge with electricity. They are capable of producing electricity as long as hydrogen supply is there.

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A fuel cell consists of an anode (negative electrode) and cathode (positive electrode) jammed around an electrolyte just like in conventional cells. The hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen and air to generate electricity and only heat and water are produced in the process.

The cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen atoms. According to the Indian Express, ¡°much like a conventional battery cell, the two gases react across an electrochemical cell similar to produce electricity, water and heat. This electricity is then used by electric motors to propel the vehicle forward.¡±

Benefits of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle

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The fuel cell bus is an environment-friendly transportation mode. The Union Minister Dr. Jitendra said in a release that ¡°If a diesel bus is to be compared, it typically emits 100 tons of CO2 per annum on long-distance routes and there are millions of buses across the country and the hydrogen fuel cell trucks¡¯ operational cost is comparatively lower than the diesel buses and this could bring a revolutionary change across the nation.¡±

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"About 12-14 per cent of CO2 emissions come from diesel-powered heavy vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles provide excellent means to eliminate on-road emissions in this sector," he added.

Apart from that, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles take less refuelling time as compared to battery-powered electric vehicles for public transportation purposes.

India and Green energy

Hydrogen too produces energy when burnt like all other fuels. What makes it environment-friendly fuel is that the by-products of burning hydrogen are water and water vapour.

Being an energy carrier, it can store or deliver a huge amount of energy. It is comparatively highly efficient and has a lower carbon footprint.

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To produce ammonia and methanol in industrial sectors including refineries and fertilisers, over 6 million tonnes of hydrogen is consumed by India every year. By 2050, hydrogen consumption is expected to rise by 28 million tonnes.

It is projected that India's hydrogen demand will increase five-fold by 2050, with 80% of it being green.