Hydrogen technology for transport in India: a cost mileage, infrastructure and value chain analysis.
With 29% of the total global greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation sector is highly responsible for global warming. This pushes us to look forward to alternative, viable and long-term sustainable solutions. Hydrogen technology is one of the promising solutions that significantly can reduce air pollution. It allows vehicles to travel longer distances with less refuelling, making it ideal for fueling heavy-duty vehicles and public transit buses. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapour and warm air, with no harmful tailpipe emissions. The byproduct of hydrogen can be used in medical and industrial use.
Cost and Mileage: Hydrogen is lightweight and has the potential to replace conventional fuels in transportation. Hydrogen from storage enters the fuel cell in an HFCV and combines with atmospheric oxygen to produce electricity, which drives an electric motor. As of 2023, HFCVs in India run 60 miles per kilogramme. In India, 1 Kg of hydrogen fuel costs between ₹400 and ₹500. Contrary, a fossil fuel engine can travel 25 miles per litre and costs between 80 and 110 rupees per litre. Even though refilling an HFCV costs more than petrol, HFCVs are more financially appealing because they qualify for Government incentives. Fuel cell efficiency has increased recently, and the average range of HFCVs is currently between 312-380 miles. components for production are becoming cheaper, and further research on ways to lower costs and increase efficiency paving the way for wider adoption.
Hydrogen Infrastructure in India: The infrastructure for the widespread adoption of hydrogen vehicles in India requires significant investment. The National Green Hydrogen Mission was introduced to replace fossil fuel, requiring substantial investment in infrastructure and R&D, estimated at 25,000 crores. Currently, India has only two hydrogen refuelling stations( located in Indian Oil's R&D Centre, Faridabad and the National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurugram). This is seemingly a handful of numbers due to the high cost. In 2022, India installed its first Green hydrogen power plant at Jorhat(Assam) with 99.99% purity at an installed capacity of 10 kg per day. Simultaneously in Gujrat, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending project with Gujarat Gas Limited in Surat. The government’s active interest in hydrogen production seems to be evident from the introduction of the PLI(Production Linked Incentive) to companies. However, all are not enough; India is required to increase incentives for manufacturing and prepare an active group of the scientific community to support industries for green hydrogen production and hydrogen-friendly vehicles. The expansion of the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure should be a top priority, and encouraging public-private partnerships and international collaborations.
Value Chain Assessment: The value chain of hydrogen is mainly divided into three stages: Production, storage and distribution, and consumption or application.
- Production: Various methods have been used for the production of hydrogen. In-stream methane process which has widely been used for H2 production for its cost-effectiveness (costs 320-330Rs per kg), produces 8kg CO2 against the production of 1 kg hydrogen. The emission is huge and not a viable solution. Contrary, in electrolysis, even if the CO2 is not produced; the price for the 1kg hydrogen production in India varies from 700-800 Rs which compared to earlier is much costly.
- Storage and distribution: Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure containers or transported through pipelines. India currently has been facing a huge shortage of storage and transportation facilities due to high costs. It does not have a national pipeline for transportation across India.
- Consumption: Hydrogen consumption in India is still in the nascent stage. Only 8% (6.7 Metric tons per annum) of the global hydrogen consumed in India which is compared to fossil fuel is lower. This consumption rate is low due to multiple reasons like high costs of vehicles, inaccessibility in all parts of the country, and lack of awareness among the masses.
Conclusion: Hydrogen is a great alternative to fossil fuels for the transportation sector. Currently, hydrogen use is in its nascent stage, yet it is not far away to see wide consumption among the masses. It has great potential and demand to alter the traditional fossil fuel market and could change the transportation sector towards a more viable and sustainable future. Technological advancement, coupled with policy support and investment will lead to the rapid transition.