Indian Oil presented a roadmap to develop an affordable green-hydrogen economy for India to coincide with World Environment Day on June 5, 2024 [1].
This strategy aims to give India a global advantage in clean energy while creating a more equitable energy system. By transitioning to hydrogen, the nation seeks to reduce its reliance on traditional fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions across its industrial and transport sectors [1, 2].
A central component of the plan involves the modernization of public transport. Indian Oil is currently operating 15 hydrogen-powered buses under trial across multiple cities [2]. These trials serve as a proof of concept for scaling hydrogen-fuelled transport nationwide, which the company views as a critical step in boosting clean public transit [1, 2].
A. S. Sahney, Chairman of Indian Oil, said the vision for a sustainable energy future was detailed during the announcement [1]. The roadmap focuses on making green hydrogen affordable, ensuring that the transition to clean energy does not create prohibitive costs for the domestic market [1].
The initiative integrates infrastructure development with vehicle deployment. By establishing a network of hydrogen refueling stations and partnering with transport authorities, Indian Oil intends to create a viable ecosystem for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles [2]. This approach addresses the logistical challenges of hydrogen storage and distribution, a primary hurdle for the technology's adoption in developing economies [1].
The timing of the announcement on World Environment Day underscores the company's commitment to international climate goals [1]. The roadmap aligns with broader national efforts to achieve energy independence and lead the global transition toward a decarbonized economy [1, 2].
“Indian Oil is currently operating 15 hydrogen-powered buses under trial across multiple cities.”
The shift toward a green-hydrogen economy represents a strategic move to decarbonize heavy transport, which is harder to electrify than passenger cars. By focusing on affordability and public infrastructure, India is attempting to bypass the high costs that have slowed hydrogen adoption in other regions, potentially positioning itself as a primary exporter of clean energy technology.
