why in the news? 

Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced a Rs-496-crore (until 2025-26) scheme to support pilot projects that either test the viability of green hydrogen as a vehicle fuel or develop secure supporting infrastructure such as refuelling stations.

Objecive of MNRE scheme 

(i) validation of technical feasibility and performance of green hydrogen as a transportation fuel

(ii) evaluation of the economic viability of green hydrogen-powered vehicles

(iii) demonstration of safe operation of hydrogen-powered vehicles and refuelling stations.

About Green , Blue and grey hydrogen

The significance of hydrogen fuel vehicles, particularly hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)

• Zero Carbon Emissions: Both hydrogen ICE vehicles and FCEVs produce zero carbon emissions during operation.
• Energy Efficiency: While research suggests that burning hydrogen in an ICE vehicle may be less energy-efficient than using it in a fuel cell, FCEVs still offer high energy efficiency compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, particularly those powered by fossil fuels like diesel and petrol.
• Clean Energy Production: Hydrogen can be produced through various renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
• Lightweight and Increased Payload Capacity: Hydrogen FCEVs typically weigh less than battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to the lighter weight of hydrogen and the fuel cell stack compared to EV batteries.
• Long-haul Freight Applications: Research indicates that long-haul FCEVs can carry freight amounts similar to diesel trucks, while BEVs may suffer from a weight penalty due to heavier batteries.  .
• Diversification of Energy Sources: Hydrogen fuel vehicles offer a viable alternative to battery electric vehicles, providing diversification in energy sources for transportation.

 Challenges 

• Storage and Transportation Challenges: Developing specialized cylinders capable of safely storing high-pressure green hydrogen is essential. Existing cylinders designed for compressed natural gas (CNG) are not suitable for hydrogen storage
• Fuel Costs and Infrastructure: Green hydrogen-powered vehicles face challenges in competing with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to higher fuel costs and the need for infrastructure development, including hydrogen refueling stations. The cost of establishing and maintaining hydrogen refueling infrastructure is significant, hindering the widespread adoption of hydrogen FCEVs.
• Safety Concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable, necessitating robust safety standards and protocols for handling and storing the fuel at refueling stations.

Conclusion 

Green hydrogen offers zero emissions, energy efficiency, and diversification in energy sources for transportation. However, challenges like storage, infrastructure costs, and safety concerns hinder widespread adoption, despite MNRE’s support scheme.

Mains PYQ

Q How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)

Q Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg protocol.(UPSC IAS/2022)

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