Green Hydrogen: A Key Driver for Sustainable Electric Vehicle Innovation

Green hydrogen is a fuel generated using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. It serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and can be utilized in electric vehicles. Green hydrogen is paving the way for a new direction in electric vehicles, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The primary use of green hydrogen is in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). In these vehicles, green hydrogen is used as fuel, which is converted into electricity. This process emits only water vapour, resulting in no pollution. Compared to conventional battery electric vehicles, vehicles powered by green hydrogen have a greater range. This is particularly suitable for long-distance travel, as these vehicles can be refuelled very quickly.

In this context, A.K. Rastogi, Chairman, Task Force, Sustainable Just Transition & Green hydrogen, Govt of Jharkhand, stated that the Jharkhand government is taking active steps to support and collaborate in the field of green hydrogen. Understanding the green hydrogen ecosystem is essential, which consists of two parts: production and transportation, both of which are costly. Unless these become cost-effective, the hydrogen ecosystem will not function effectively. Moreover, the demand for green hydrogen in Jharkhand is also a critical factor. To be truly green, the production of green hydrogen must come from green energy sources. If this energy does not come from renewable resources, then the hydrogen will be coded as gray or pink instead of green, making it less sustainable.

Currently, the Jharkhand government is taking two significant steps. First, we are introducing a policy to promote green hydrogen to attract investments, as it represents a new revenue sector. Jharkhand has a high production of raw steel and iron, and we are second in this sector in India. Hence, Jharkhand has an excellent opportunity in the field of green hydrogen, and the government is providing policy support to empower it further.

Second, we are working on developing a hub-and-spoke model to facilitate the transportation of green electricity. Through this model, we can produce green electricity and utilize it in nearby areas. This effort will benefit industries and future businesses in Jharkhand by providing them with sustainable energy sources and will assist in establishing the state as a green hydrogen hub.

The Challenge of Refueling

A.K. Rastogi further explained that when it comes to electric mobility and hydrogen fuel cells, there are two main approaches: direct combustion and IC vehicles. Recently, a combustion engine has been developed in collaboration with Tata, with commercial production planned to start in 2025. However, the biggest challenge remains refueling—how to fill fuel into these vehicles. Intensive work is being done on this issue to make it practical and convenient. This is particularly crucial for long-distance vehicles, as they are not currently practical for electric vehicles. Therefore, there is a need to transition to hydrogen or other cleaner fuels. The high cost and weight of batteries make them an expensive option. For this reason, work is being done on replaceable fuel cell technology, and several research institutes and the state government are collaborating in this area.

With the rapid development of technology, stabilizing it takes time, as each technology has its own advantages and limitations. On a global scale, the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology and IC engines is increasing. This technology is not only environmentally friendly, but efforts are also being made to make it practical and cost-effective for long-term use. In the coming 2-3 years, it is expected that this technology will become more accessible and practical, potentially becoming a sustainable solution for long-distance vehicles.

Steps Towards Sustainability and Energy Independence

“Today, we are not focusing on diversifying our economy. Districts that depend on fossil fuels need to identify one or two products and develop that area. For instance, this could be biomass or something else. Recently, we discovered that Jharkhand has many critical minerals that can be utilized. Hence, this will be another area requiring skill sets. Furthermore, the possibilities of renewable energy cannot be utilized in this setting. So what we need to do is collaborate with our neighbouring states. Because of transportation, when we talk about the hydrogen ecosystem, there are vast possibilities for green hydrogen. There are several ways to utilize green hydrogen and green energy. Therefore, it is easier to transport renewable energy from one state to another.” He added.

“We need to create a network where transportation is economically viable. Then you can produce because states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh have a heavy reliance on fossil fuels or steam infrastructure. They could become consumers of hydrogen for internal use and for decarbonizing industries, such as the cement industry. Hydrogen can play a significant role and generate a substantial number of resources; hence we need to develop an appropriate model. I believe that when we talk about a "just transition," four or five key areas will be very important.”He added.

Conclusion

Green hydrogen can play a crucial role in the future of electric vehicles. It not only offers a sustainable option but also addresses long-distance travel and energy storage issues. However, it is essential to resolve issues like production costs, infrastructure, and public awareness to maximize the use of green hydrogen. If these challenges are addressed, green hydrogen could become a significant component of electric vehicles in the near future.