Hydrogen Fuel Usage and Its Implementation Across the Globe

The government of India has recently taken initiative to produce hydrogen and ammonia using novel and efficient methods, subsequently leading several state governments to formulate plans for hydrogen and ammonia production plants. This trend has been further enhanced by the projects initiated in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Vishakhapatnam (Visakhapatnam).

In AP, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is constructing a pumped storage project that will generate hydrogen and ammonia, alongside producing 13 gigawatts of power with a project outlay of Rs. 1.1 lakh crores. A similar project, by the state government, in Sileru, Visakhapatnam district, aims to produce 30 gigawatts of power. Both projects utilize solar panels and freshwater.

Additionally, Aditya Birla Group under Mukesh Ambani has announced a major project to manufacture solar panels in Visakhapatnam, expanding India's renewable energy capabilities.

Hydrogen fuel finds extensive application not just in industrial refining processes, but also in other industries. In the petrochemical and chemical sector, hydrogen is abundantly used in the petroleum and mineral treating processes. However, with environmental concerns escalating, there has been a growing interest in hydrogen as a renewable, alternative transportation fuel. It can be used in fuel cells for zero-emission vehicles, and the fuel cell vehicles exhibit high efficiency.

Examples of hydrogen-powered vehicles include the Toyota Mirai, the Honda Clarity, and the Hyundai iX35 Fuel Cell. Hydrogen fuel stations are readily available in several countries such as Denmark and Japan.

Hydrogen's primary utility lies in its ability to refine petroleum and treat metals, but its role as a renewable energy source is growing. Hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells, which are highly efficient and produce zero emissions, making them a promising alternative to traditional internal combustion engines.

Among the isotopes of hydrogen, the commonly known ones are protium (1H), deuterium (2H), and tritium (3H). Protium is stable, while deuterium and tritium are unstable. Deuterium has a half-life of approximately 12.32 years, and tritium has a half-life of about 12.32 years as well, but it is the most unstable naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen.

Overall, the implementation and usage of hydrogen as a fuel source are expanding across multiple sectors, driven by the need for sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.

Fuel Cells and Zero-Emission Vehicles

Fuel cells are devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, heat, and water, which means that fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have the potential to achieve zero emissions. They are highly efficient and produce only water as a byproduct. This efficiency and environmental benefit are making them an attractive option for the automotive industry.

India’s Steps in Hydrogen and Renewable Energy

India's government and various state governments are taking significant initiatives to promote hydrogen and renewable energy. Projects like the ones in AP and Visakhapatnam are part of a broader effort to develop sustainable energy sources. Additionally, the push to manufacture solar panels in Visakhapatnam underscores the country's commitment to renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Conclusion

The future of hydrogen fuel lies in its potential as a renewable energy source and its application in fuel cells. As technology advances and the cost of production decreases, hydrogen fuel is expected to become a more prominent solution in the transportation sector and other industries. India's initiatives and the global push towards renewable energy highlight a promising path towards a more sustainable and cleaner environment.