The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) announced a significant achievement in India's transition to clean energy by revealing the nation's first green hydrogen-powered bus. This ground-breaking step was seen as crucial in reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels and promoting environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. In the realm of the Green Hydrogen Revolution, IOC has taken a leading role in harnessing the potential of green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysing water using electricity sourced from renewable sources. It was noted that this green hydrogen would be used to fuel two buses, which were scheduled for trial runs in the national capital region.

During the ceremonial launch of these innovative buses, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasised that hydrogen was on track to become India's transitional fuel, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. The initial pilot run for the production of green hydrogen is being spearheaded by the IOC's Research and Development Centre in Faridabad.

Green hydrogen is gaining recognition as an eco-friendly energy source with several advantages over traditional fossil fuels. It was explained that when hydrogen is burned, it emits only water vapour as a by-product, making it a clean and environmentally friendly option. Additionally, it was highlighted that green hydrogen possesses three times the energy density of conventional fuels, offering improved efficiency for a range of applications.

It was noted that the production of green hydrogen is a resource-intensive process, requiring approximately 50 units of renewable electricity and 9 kg of deionised water to produce one kilogram of this clean fuel. Nevertheless, the benefits it provides in terms of sustainability and reduced emissions make it a compelling choice for India's energy transition.

Puri outlined IOC's ambitious plans, with the aim of increasing the number of green hydrogen-powered buses to 15 by the end of 2023. These buses would undergo operational trials on designated routes in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This initiative was said to align with India's commitment to low-carbon development and the adoption of emerging clean energy technologies.

India's extensive synchronous grid infrastructure, which is capable of managing intermittent renewable energy sources, was noted as positioning the nation as a global leader in hydrogen production and export. It was suggested that the combination of low-cost solar energy, a robust grid, substantial demand, and engineering expertise would enable India to establish itself as a hub for green hydrogen production.