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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Gadkari pushes for energy independence with hydrogen, ethanol and biogas plans
For Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, it is not just an energy issue—it's an economic, strategic, and environmental imperative (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) Check Offers At the heart of India's transport revolution lies a sharp, unavoidable truth: 87 per cent of the nation's crude oil is imported, draining nearly ₹ 22 lakh crore annually from the exchequer. For Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, this is not just an energy issue—it's an economic, strategic, and environmental imperative. And it's why the government is doubling down on alternate fuels as the centrepiece of India's mobility roadmap. 'Our policy is simple—import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous," Gadkari stated during the MoU exchange ceremony between Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium International. 'The aim is not just to reduce emissions, but to make India an energy exporter instead of an importer." From ethanol-blended fuels and biodiesel to compressed biogas and green hydrogen, India's approach is deliberately multi-pronged—prioritising scalability, local availability, and economic viability. This strategic diversity isn't a fallback—it's a forward leap. The hydrogen truck trials Nowhere is this vision more visible than on India's highways. The government has already flagged off large-scale hydrogen truck trials across critical freight corridors. Funded with ₹ 500 crore under National Green Hydrogen Mission, the project covers 27 vehicles, 10 routes, and five prime consortiums such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Volvo, NTPC, BPCL, and Reliance. Also Read : Bioenergy can cover 50% of India's fossil fuel consumption in 5 years: Nitin Gadkari Hydrogen trucks, both H2-ICE (Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine) and fuel cell types, are already in service on many of India's prime logistics routes. These are freight lanes like Greater Noida–Delhi–Agra, Mumbai–Pune, Jamnagar–Vadodara, Bhubaneswar–Konark–Puri, and Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada. These routes have been chosen strategically to validate the performance, reliability, and scalability of hydrogen-fueled heavy-duty trucks under actual commercial operations. These aren't ceremonial pilot paths. Each vehicle is logging 300–500 km per run, supported by a growing network of nine hydrogen refuelling stations. The data collected over the next 24 months will shape not only technical decisions, but policy, incentives, and infrastructure rollout plans. 'Hydrogen is the fuel of the future," Gadkari said, adding that the trials would 'unlock India's leadership in clean freight mobility." Green hydrogen Gadkari made it clear that green hydrogen—produced using renewable energy—is the long-term goal. But the economics must work. He urged scientists, startups, and OEMs to explore unconventional hydrogen production routes—municipal solid waste, organic matter, and even bamboo plantations. 'We need to bring the cost down. That's where the battle will be won," he said. Interestingly, companies like NTPC and private players are already experimenting with hydrogen sourced from waste-to-gas plants and biomass digesters, offering a potential pathway to low-cost, decentralised hydrogen production. Ethanol, flex-fuels & isobutanol: India's broader fuel strategy While hydrogen keeps hogging the spotlight, India's alternative fuel strategy is much larger. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reaffirmed that his ministry is going full steam with a wide range of clean fuel technologies. That includes rolling out 20 per cent ethanol fuel blending in petrol all over the country as part of efforts to cut crude oil dependence. Also Read : Fall in lithium battery prices will boost EV sector, says Nitin Gadkari The government is also promoting flex-fuel hybrid cars, like the BS6 Stage II prototype on the Toyota Innova Hycross, which combines ethanol compatibility with hybrid electric efficiency. Besides, isobutanol-diesel blends are being tested to evaluate their commercial suitability. Concurrently, growth of compressed biogas (CBG) networks in rural areas is being pushed, offering farmers fresh energy-connected income sources while enabling decentralized, low-emission energy production. Gadkari revealed that his ministry has already cleared 100 per cent ethanol use in flex-fuel vehicles and is working to enable IC engine retrofits that can run on hydrogen or advanced biofuels. India's auto sector: From global challenger to clean tech leader? Beyond fuel, Gadkari sees this as a moment of transformation for India's auto industry. Valued at ₹ 22 lakh crore, the sector is now the third-largest in the world. But his ambitions stretch further. 'With our innovation ecosystem and domestic capacity, I believe we can become the number one automobile market globally in five years," the Minister expressed This confidence rests on more than just optimism. India's OEMs are already investing in hydrogen, electric, ethanol and hybrid platforms. And with policies now aligned toward cleaner, localised solutions, the industry is being nudged—not gently—into a leadership role in sustainable mobility. India's transition to alternate fuels is no longer theoretical. Whether hydrogen trucks are carrying cargo along industrial arteries, ethanol hybrids reducing the need for petrol, or biogas factories converting garbage into energy—the change is already happening. And sure, problems persist—most notably on cost and infrastructure—but the momentum is genuine. As Gadkari summed it up, 'This is not just about transport. It's about future-proofing our economy, cleaning our air, and putting India on the map as a leader in clean energy." Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 26 Jun 2025, 10:36 AM IST
Arab Times
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Tata Motors launches trials for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks in India
NEW DELHI, India, March 6: Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer, Tata Motors, has officially begun trials for its hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks, designed for long-haul transportation. This initiative marks a key step in Tata Motors' efforts to lead sustainable mobility solutions and aligns with India's ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. Tata Motors has received a tender for this trial phase, supported by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The trials are intended to evaluate the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles for long-distance haulage and to explore the development of the required infrastructure for this transition. The trials, which are expected to last up to two years, will involve the deployment of 16 advanced hydrogen-powered trucks with varying configurations and payload capacities. These trucks will be tested across major freight routes in India, including routes around cities like Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, Delhi-NCR, Jamshedpur, and Kalinganagar. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, commented, 'Hydrogen is an important fuel for India's transition to a sustainable and zero-carbon future. The beginning of this trial is a significant step forward in showcasing the potential of green hydrogen in decarbonizing India's transportation sector. This initiative, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, reflects our commitment to driving innovation and achieving India's energy independence while contributing to global climate goals. I applaud Tata Motors for taking the lead in this pioneering effort.' The hydrogen-powered vehicles involved in the trials include two Tata Prima H.55S prime movers—one with Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) technology and the other with Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technology—along with the Tata Prima H.28, an advanced H2-ICE truck. These vehicles are designed to provide sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-performance transportation, with an operational range between 300 and 500 kilometers. Additionally, the trucks feature the 'premium Prima cabin' and 'advanced driver-assist safety features,' which aim to enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve overall productivity, setting new safety standards in the trucking industry. The trials are expected to provide crucial insights into the effectiveness of hydrogen fuel in commercial transportation and contribute to the establishment of a robust green hydrogen infrastructure in India. In a related development, Tata Motors recently inaugurated a vehicle scrapping facility (RVSF) in Guwahati, Assam, capable of dismantling up to 15,000 end-of-life vehicles annually using eco-friendly processes. This facility, named ' – Recycle with Respect,' further underscores the company's commitment to sustainability. These efforts demonstrate Tata Motors' leadership in pushing the boundaries of innovation in the automotive sector, marking a significant leap toward India's goal of sustainable transportation and reduced carbon emissions.
