Green hydrogen infrastructure along highways is next on India’s transport map

India is focusing on green hydrogen fuel infrastructure along national highways as the next step in its transport strategy. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will launch a pilot project worth Rs. 600 crore (US$ 68.64 million) on 10 selected highway stretches. This initiative aims to evaluate the feasibility of green hydrogen supply for commercial vehicles and establish standards for fuelling and storage systems. The trials will be conducted in various regions to assess technical, supply-chain, geographical, and logistical challenges before a nationwide rollout. The plan is part of the MoRTH's Vision 2047 mission, with implementation expected to be completed in the next two to three years. The ministry is in discussions with state-run refiners such as Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to develop the necessary infrastructure. The pilot project is also expected to include incentives for steel and automobile manufacturers to create prototypes of hydrogen vehicles and storage systems.
Major automakers like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles are anticipated to participate. This focus on hydrogen is a potential solution for long-haul freight and heavy-duty vehicles, where electric vehicles (EVs) have limitations with range and charging. The initiative aligns with India's net-zero emissions target by 2070 and the government's National Green Hydrogen Mission. According to industry experts, a clear master plan is needed to rapidly expand the infrastructure to ensure the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. While green highways with EV infrastructure address short-haul needs, hydrogen highways can cater to long-haul transport, providing a dual approach to a cleaner transport future. Although the technology is in its early stages, with the economics of green hydrogen not yet strong enough to drive demand, setting up infrastructure is a crucial step to seed the market.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.