Why in news?
In recent news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s pioneering hydrogen fuel cell ferry, a groundbreaking initiative under the Harit Nauka program. Developed indigenously by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), this innovative vessel marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions. Let’s delve deeper into the key features, significance, and implications of this remarkable development.
Key Features of the Hydrogen-Powered Ferry:
- Design: The ferry boasts a sleek 24-meter catamaran design, capable of accommodating up to 50 passengers in its air-conditioned cabin. Constructed using high-quality fiberglass reinforced plastic, the passenger area resembles modern metro train coaches, ensuring a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing travel experience.
- Propulsion: Utilizing a cutting-edge 50-kilowatt Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell alongside Lithium-Ion Phosphate batteries, the ferry offers efficient and sustainable propulsion. PEM fuel cells offer the advantage of swiftly adjusting their output to match varying power demands, ensuring optimal performance across different operating conditions.
- Energy Source: Equipped with five hydrogen cylinders capable of holding 40kg of hydrogen, the ferry can operate seamlessly for up to eight hours. Additionally, the vessel features a 3-kilowatt solar panel, further enhancing its energy sustainability and reducing reliance on traditional power sources. Notably, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity using the chemical energy stored in hydrogen, emitting only pure water without releasing harmful pollutants, making them an environmentally friendly alternative.
- Indigenous Components: CSL spearheaded the development of the vessel’s automation system and power management system, showcasing India’s prowess in indigenous technological innovation. The hydrogen fuel cell system was collaboratively developed by KPIT Technologies, Pune, in partnership with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Labs, underscoring the collaborative efforts driving India’s green technology initiatives.
Significance of the Hydrogen-Powered Ferry:
- Environmentally Friendly: With zero emissions and minimal noise pollution, the hydrogen-powered ferry represents a significant leap towards cleaner and greener transportation. Its energy-efficient operation aligns with India’s commitment to mitigating climate change and reducing carbon footprint.
- Low Maintenance Cost: Unlike conventional combustion vessels, the hydrogen-powered ferry boasts minimal moving parts, translating to lower maintenance requirements and operational costs. This economic viability makes it an attractive option for sustainable transportation solutions, paving the way for wider adoption across inland waterways.
The Harit Nauka Initiative:
- In January 2024, the Ministry of Shipping unveiled the Harit Nauka guidelines, aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices in inland water transport.
- As per the guidelines, states are mandated to transition 50% of their inland waterways passenger fleets to green fuels within the next decade, with a long-term target of achieving 100% green fuel adoption by 2045.
- This ambitious initiative aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, envisaging a sustainable and environmentally responsible maritime sector, poised to meet the challenges of the future.
- In conclusion, India’s first hydrogen-powered ferry stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to embracing innovative and sustainable solutions for the transportation sector. With its advanced technology, environmental benefits, and indigenous development, the ferry heralds a new era of eco-friendly water transport, setting the stage for further advancements and collaborations in the realm of green technology.
People also ask
Q1: What is the significance of India’s first hydrogen-powered ferry?
Ans: India’s first hydrogen-powered ferry represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts towards sustainable transportation. It showcases indigenous technological innovation and offers a clean and eco-friendly alternative for water transport, contributing to environmental conservation and reducing carbon footprint.
Q2: Who developed the hydrogen-powered ferry, and under which initiative?
Ans: The hydrogen-powered ferry was developed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the Harit Nauka initiative. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly practices in inland water transport and accelerate the adoption of green fuels for marine vessels.
Q3: What are the key features of the hydrogen-powered ferry?
Ans: The ferry features a sleek 24-meter catamaran design, capable of accommodating 50 passengers in its air-conditioned cabin. It utilizes a 50-kilowatt Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell alongside Lithium-Ion Phosphate batteries for propulsion. The vessel is equipped with five hydrogen cylinders capable of holding 40kg of hydrogen, enabling up to eight hours of operation. Additionally, it incorporates a 3-kilowatt solar panel for enhanced energy sustainability.
Q4. How does the hydrogen-powered ferry contribute to environmental conservation?
Ans: The ferry operates with zero emissions, emitting only pure water vapor during its operation. By utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source, it significantly reduces air and noise pollution, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional marine vessels powered by fossil fuels.
5. What are the economic benefits of the hydrogen-powered ferry?
Ans: The ferry offers lower maintenance costs compared to conventional combustion vessels, thanks to its minimal moving parts and efficient propulsion system. Additionally, its use of green fuels reduces dependency on traditional fuel sources, potentially leading to long-term cost savings for operators.
.
