In a recent development, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited has announced its new project with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) in Delhi and Leh. This initiative comes under NTPC’s drive towards adopting renewable energy resources for mobility and attaining sustainability goals.
Project Overview
NTPC Limited is seeking a Global Expression of Interest (EoI) to procure 10 Hydrogen Fuel Cell based buses and 10 similar cars for operations in Leh and Delhi. NTPC’s wholly owned subsidiary, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) Limited, is issuing the EoI. This project marks the maiden attempt in India towards developing a comprehensive solution from creating green energy to harnessing it for fuel cell vehicles.
Aim and Support
The project is aimed at decarbonizing mobility, thereby aligning with environmental concerns and sustainability objectives. A significant enabling force for the initiative is the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy by facilitating the generation of hydrogen from renewable energy sources. The Ministry is also working on developing storage facilities and dispensation systems for hydrogen as part of pilot projects in Leh and Delhi.
Contribution by Tata Motors
Tata Motors has also made strides in this area by launching the Starbus Electric 9m, Starbus Electric 12m, and the Starbus Hybrid 12m range of buses. These vehicles are indigenously made and operate on alternative fuels, including biofuels. Remarkably, these buses yield only water and heat as by-products, thus ensuring zero emissions.
NTPC’s E-Mobility Strategy
NTPC has various initiatives for ensuring complete e-mobility solutions for public transport. Some of these include setting up 90 public charging stations in different cities and commissioning battery charging and swapping stations for electric 3-wheelers. NTPC is also supplying electric buses to state/city transport undertakings, with e-bus solutions currently being deployed in Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
Government Initiatives
The Government of India has also shown commitment towards promoting clean energy usage by launching the FAME India Scheme. This scheme aims to boost the market development and manufacturing ecosystem for hybrid/electric vehicles.
Mechanism of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
FCEVs work by combining hydrogen and oxygen to generate an electric current. Similar to traditional internal combustion engines, they rely on a continuous supply of hydrogen fuel and oxygen. However, due to the absence of moving parts in the fuel cell, these vehicles are more efficient and reliable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of FCEVs
FCEVs significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and completely eliminate air pollutants that detrimentally impact health. Also, these vehicles only emit heat and water as byproducts. A distinctive advantage of FCEVs over battery-powered EVs is that they do not require charging via plugging in. Furthermore, resources for producing hydrogen are widely available. However, FCEVs are not without downsides. The process of producing hydrogen often demands energy, usually derived from fossil fuel sources, which casts doubt on the green credentials of hydrogen. Handling of hydrogen, owing to its volatile nature, poses a safety risk. Another drawback is the scarcity of fuel dispensing pumps and the high cost of these vehicles.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024