Why Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology in news?
- The Indian Army, known for its unwavering commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, has taken a significant step towards a cleaner future.
- In collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the force has received its first hydrogen fuel cell bus, marking the beginning of a promising partnership for sustainable transportation solutions.
- This initiative, aptly titled “OLIVE GREEN – GOING GREEN,” signifies the Indian Army’s proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), and Mr Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil, officially kickstarted this mutually beneficial partnership.
- The MoU highlights a shared commitment to fostering innovation and developing sustainable transportation solutions for the years to come.
Powering Up with Clean Technology
- Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
- These buses function by electrochemically converting hydrogen gas into electricity, with water vapor as the sole byproduct.
- This translates to zero tailpipe emissions, making them a significant advancement towards a cleaner environment.
- The newly acquired hydrogen fuel cell bus boasts a comfortable seating capacity of 37 passengers.
- On a single full tank of 30 kg of hydrogen fuel, it promises an impressive range of 250-300 kilometers.
- This substantial range makes it suitable for various transportation needs within the Indian Army.
Beyond Buses: Green Hydrogen for Remote Locations
- The Indian Army’s foray into green energy extends beyond just transportation. In March 2023, they became the first government entity to collaborate with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) for setting up Green Hydrogen-based Microgrid Power Plants along the Northern Borders.
- This initiative aims to provide a reliable source of clean electricity (24×7) for troops stationed in harsh terrains and extreme weather conditions.
- The pilot project at Chushul, utilizing a 200-kilowatt Green Hydrogen Microgrid, serves as a testament to the Indian Army’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions in remote locations.
What is Green Hydrogen and What are its Uses?
- Green hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel source produced using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
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Making Green Hydrogen:
- Regular hydrogen gas itself isn’t inherently “green” – its environmental impact depends on how it’s produced.
- Traditionally, hydrogen is extracted from fossil fuels like natural gas, a process that releases greenhouse gases.
- Green hydrogen differentiates itself by being produced through a process called electrolysis.
- Electrolysis splits water molecules (H2O) into their constituent parts: hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using electricity. If that electricity comes from renewable sources like solar or wind power, then the entire hydrogen production process becomes zero-emission.
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Uses of Green Hydrogen:
- Green hydrogen boasts immense potential as a clean energy carrier across various sectors:
- Transportation: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a promising alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered ones. These vehicles use hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell to generate electricity, with water vapor as the only emission. The Indian Army’s new hydrogen bus exemplifies this potential.
- Power Generation: Green hydrogen can be converted back into electricity through fuel cells for stationary power generation. This is particularly beneficial in remote locations where setting up traditional power grids might be challenging. The Indian Army’s green hydrogen microgrid project aims to utilize this for clean electricity in remote areas.
- Industry: Several industrial processes rely on high-heat applications that are difficult to electrify directly. Green hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel source in these industries, reducing their carbon footprint.
- Energy Storage: As renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent, storing excess energy remains a challenge. Green hydrogen can act as a storage medium, by converting excess renewable energy into hydrogen gas through electrolysis, and then converting it back to electricity when needed through fuel cells.
A Pioneering Partnership Paves the Way
- The collaboration between the Indian Army and IOCL on hydrogen fuel cell technology represents a significant stride towards a greener future.
- This initiative holds immense potential for the large-scale adoption of clean transportation solutions within the Indian military.
- The success of the pilot projects will pave the way for the wider deployment of hydrogen fuel cell buses and green hydrogen microgrids across the Indian Army.
- This not only reduces the force’s dependence on fossil fuels but also contributes to a cleaner environment for the nation.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter, Greener Future
- The Indian Army’s embrace of hydrogen fuel cell technology signifies a commendable shift towards environmental responsibility.
- This initiative sets a strong example for other organizations and industries to follow suit. As the pilot projects progress, we can expect further advancements in integrating clean energy solutions into the Indian Army’s operations.
- The “OLIVE GREEN – GOING GREEN” program serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that national security and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.
- By fostering innovation and collaboration, the Indian Army is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.
People also ask
Q1: What is the “Olive Green – Going Green” initiative?
Ans: The “Olive Green – Going Green” initiative is a commitment by the Indian Army to adopt sustainable transportation solutions and reduce its carbon footprint. This includes the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology for buses and green hydrogen microgrids for power generation.
Q2: How does hydrogen fuel cell technology work?
Ans: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen gas and oxygen to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction. The only byproduct is water vapor, making them a zero-emission alternative to traditional fossil fuel vehicles.
