Hydrogen fuel based buses and cars: Expression of Interest issued by NTPC

Hydrogen fuel based buses and cars: Expression of Interest issued by NTPC

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Science and Technology

In News:

• NTPC Ltd, has invited Global Expression of Interest (EoI) to provide Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC) based electric buses and electric cars in Leh and Delhi.
• NTPC Ltd. Is India’s largest power producer and a central PSU under Ministry of Power.

Key takeaways:

• The move to procure Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles is first of its kind project in the country.
• Under this project, a complete solution from green energy to the fuel cell vehicle would be developed.
• The initiative has been undertaken with support of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• The initiative will also harness renewable energy for generation of hydrogen and develop its storage and dispensation facilities at Leh and Delhi.
• The project aims at reducing carbon emissions from automobiles.

Important value additions:

Hydrogen Fuel

• Hydrogen does not occur free in nature in useful quantities.
• It can be made from natural gas or it can be made by passing electric current through water.
• When hydrogen is burned, it only emits water vapour and carbon dioxide (CO2) is not produced. 
• It is more efficient than internal combustion engine. 
• However, manufacturing hydrogen fuel based vehicle is still expensive.