In a noteworthy initiative to promote sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, India presented its latest innovations in green hydrogen technology to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and his delegation. The live demonstration took place in New Delhi on Monday, October 21, 2024, where the Bhutanese Prime Minister experienced a ride in a hydrogen-fueled bus powered by IndianOil.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas described the bus as a transformative solution, producing no CO2 or pollutants—only pure water—signifying India’s commitment to decarbonization.
The event was led by India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and attended by senior officials from the ministry, including IndianOil Chairman and Director (Marketing) V. Satish Kumar.
Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay & Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri in a hydrogen-fuelled bus in New Delhi
During the demonstration, Puri emphasized India’s role as a leader in green hydrogen innovation, highlighting the significance of regional cooperation to tackle global environmental challenges. He outlined ongoing projects such as hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines and the localization of electrolyzer-based technologies, as part of a broader vision to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
The delegation from Bhutan, headed by Prime Minister Tobgay, expressed a strong interest in implementing green hydrogen mobility solutions, which resonate with Bhutan’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Known for its emphasis on renewable energy, particularly hydropower, Bhutan views green hydrogen as a natural progression in its efforts to minimize carbon emissions and promote clean energy throughout the region.
Prime Minister Tobgay praised India's advancements in green hydrogen and recognized the potential for collaboration between the two nations in developing sustainable transportation solutions.
What PM Modi wrote on his X?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to share his delight. “I am delighted that PM Tshering Tobgay was able to sit on the Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus. Such a Bus is a part of our efforts to boost sustainability and contribute to a greener future for the coming generations,” he said.
Statement from Puri
“India’s strides in green hydrogen are a testament to our commitment to sustainable energy solutions. We are eager to extend our expertise and collaborate with regional partners like Bhutan to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future,” stated Puri.
Prime Minister Tobgay’s statement
"Bhutan is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, and India’s experience in green hydrogen technology provides valuable insights for our own journey towards cleaner energy solutions," remarked Prime Minister Tobgay during the event.
Statement from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
“We are excited about working with Bhutan, a pioneer in sustainability and respect for nature, to share knowledge and explore opportunities for adopting green hydrogen mobility. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to the environment and clean energy, helping us meet decarbonization targets,” said the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
India's Bold Vision to Emerge as a Global Leader in Green Hydrogen Production
IndianOil has been a leader in hydrogen research since 2004, playing a pivotal role in India’s green hydrogen revolution. Initially focused on hydrogen-CNG blends, the company has broadened its green hydrogen initiatives significantly in recent years, now encompassing storage, transportation, and various applications of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
A significant milestone for IndianOil is the establishment of India’s first hydrogen dispensing station at its R&D Centre in Faridabad. This facility has been essential in advancing research and development of hydrogen-powered transportation solutions. In partnership with Tata Motors, IndianOil has also launched green hydrogen fuel cell buses, which exemplify the future of eco-friendly transportation in India.
Currently, eight hydrogen fuel cell buses are operational in the Delhi NCR region, including one for the Indian Army and one for the Indian Navy. Additionally, four buses have been deployed in Vadodara, where they are refueled at IndianOil’s hydrogen dispensing station.
During a recent demonstration, Puri highlighted India’s ambitious goals to become a global leader in green hydrogen production. As the world shifts away from fossil fuels, India is positioning itself at the forefront of green energy innovation. Key components of India’s strategy to achieve its decarbonization targets include hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, promoting bio-pathways for hydrogen production, and developing electrolyzer technologies.
These green hydrogen initiatives align closely with India’s broader environmental and economic objectives, such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting renewable energy, and creating a sustainable energy future.
India's proactive efforts to showcase its green hydrogen advancements to Bhutan reflect a commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions in the region. By leveraging its expertise in hydrogen technology, India aims to support its regional partners in transitioning to cleaner, greener transportation systems, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
The demonstration of green hydrogen mobility to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two countries on sustainable energy solutions. As both nations strive to reduce their carbon footprints and promote renewable energy, this event highlights the importance of regional cooperation in tackling global environmental challenges.
With India leading in green hydrogen innovation and Bhutan expressing strong interest in these technologies, the future of clean energy collaboration between the two nations looks promising.
Puri’s statement
“Green hydrogen holds immense potential in helping India meet its decarbonization goals,” Puri emphasized. “With the right policies and international partnerships, India is poised to emerge as a global champion in green hydrogen production and export. This will not only help reduce our carbon emissions but also create new economic opportunities in the energy sector.”
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