Green Hydrogen Fuel cell bus
Why in news ?
Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri launched India’s first green hydrogen fuel cell bus at Kartavya Path in Delhi.
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What is Green Hydrogen?
- Green hydrogen is hydrogen gas (H2) produced through a process called electrolysis, using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower.
- Unlike “grey” or “blue” hydrogen, which are produced from natural gas and emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during production, green hydrogen is considered environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral.
Production of Green Hydrogen
- Electrolysis: Green hydrogen is primarily produced through water electrolysis. This process involves passing an electric current through water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Two common types of electrolyzers are proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolyzers.
- Renewable Energy Sources: To ensure the “green” status of hydrogen, it is crucial to power the electrolysis process with renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydropower. This ensures that no carbon emissions are associated with the hydrogen production process.
Fuel Cells
- Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy stored in hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, with water as the only byproduct.
- They are highly efficient and have various applications, making them a crucial component of the green hydrogen ecosystem.
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Advantages
- Clean Energy: Green hydrogen is produced without emitting greenhouse gases, making it a clean energy source.
- High Energy Density: Hydrogen has a high energy density, making it suitable for long-duration energy storage.
- Versatility: Hydrogen can be used in various sectors, from transportation to industry, making it a versatile energy carrier.
Challenges
- Storage and Transportation: Hydrogen is challenging to store and transport due to its low density, requiring infrastructure development.
- Efficiency: Electrolysis processes and fuel cells need further advancements to improve energy efficiency.
Source – PIB
