India has launched five pilot projects to test hydrogen-powered buses and trucks as part of its National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said on Monday.
The move is part of India’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions, transition to cleaner energy sources, and establish itself as a leader in green hydrogen technology.
According to the Press Information Bureau, the government has allocated ₹2.08 billion ($250 million) in financial support for the pilot projects, which are expected to be commissioned within the next 18 to 24 months.
The initiative aims to develop commercially viable hydrogen-based transport technologies, the ministry said.
Developing Green Transport Infrastructure
The initiative involves 37 hydrogen-fueled vehicles, including 15 powered by hydrogen fuel cells and 22 using hydrogen internal combustion engines, along with nine hydrogen refueling stations, the ministry said in a statement.
The funding will help establish infrastructure such as hydrogen refueling stations and ensure the smooth deployment of hydrogen-powered buses and trucks across the country.
Major companies including Tata Motors, Reliance Industries, NTPC, Ashok Leyland, and state-run oil firms Indian Oil Corp. and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. will participate in the project.
These firms will contribute to research, development, and deployment, ensuring that the pilot projects align with global best practices in hydrogen-based transport solutions.
Ten Routes Identified
The vehicles will operate on 10 designated routes across the country, including Greater Noida-Delhi-Agra, Ahmedabad-Vadodara-Surat, and Pune-Mumbai, among others.
These routes have been strategically chosen to test hydrogen vehicles in diverse climatic and geographic conditions, providing insights into performance, efficiency and refueling logistics.
The government hopes the pilot projects will validate the feasibility and performance of hydrogen-fueled transport under real-world conditions, assess economic viability, and establish the required refueling infrastructure.
India, the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023. It has a total budget of ₹1.97 trillion through the fiscal year 2029-30.
The program seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, cut emissions, and position India as a global leader in green hydrogen technology.
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