HYDROGEN AS A FUEL

• Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) rely on a critical component known as the hydrogen fuel cell.
• This device harnesses the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source and an oxidant to produce electricity through an electrochemical process.
• Essentially, the fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in the generation of an electric current, with water being the sole byproduct.
• Much like conventional batteries found in automobiles, hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
• From a long-term sustainability perspective, FCEVs are positioned as the vehicles of the future, primarily due to hydrogen's status as the most abundant resource in the universe.

While fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process, they do not store energy like a battery-electric vehicle. Instead, they rely on a continuous supply of fuel and oxygen, similar to how an internal combustion engine depends on a constant supply of petrol or diesel and oxygen. This similarity to conventional vehicles is further emphasized by the absence of moving parts in the fuel cell, making them more efficient and reliable. Additionally, there is no combustion on board in the traditional sense.

Globally, electric vehicles (EVs) are categorized into three main types:

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These vehicles, like the Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model S, do not have an internal combustion engine or fuel tank. They operate solely on a fully electric drivetrain powered by rechargeable batteries.
• Conventional Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Examples include the Toyota Camry. These vehicles combine a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system, resulting in a hybrid drivetrain that significantly reduces fuel use. The onboard battery in a conventional hybrid is charged when the internal combustion engine is powering the drivetrain.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Examples include the Chevrolet Volt. These vehicles also have a hybrid drivetrain that uses both an internal combustion engine and electric power for motive power. They are backed by rechargeable batteries that can be plugged into a power source.

• The market for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is primarily led by Japan's Toyota and Honda, alongside South Korea's Hyundai.
• The successful development of hydrogen fuel cells presents opportunities for energy in transportation and electric power, with a key advantage being the widespread availability of resources for producing hydrogen.
• Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) published a 'Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells' in 2014, with a revised update in March 2016, aiming to achieve a hydrogen society.
• Stationary fuel cells, which are the largest and most powerful fuel cells, are being designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable source of on-site power to hospitals, banks, airports, and homes.
• A fuel cell can continue to produce energy as long as fuel and oxidant are supplied. Portable fuel cells could also find applications beyond vehicles.
• Fuel cell electric vehicles are the most user-friendly zero-emission solution in Norway. The necessary infrastructure, securing several zero-emission alternatives to choose from, and meeting the demand for H2 fuel conveniently at the lowest possible cost for the consumer.

5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Fuel Cells

Advantages

• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Fuel cells produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional combustion-based technologies used in power plants and cars.
• Zero Air Pollutants: They do not emit air pollutants that cause health problems.
• Clean Byproducts: When pure hydrogen is used, fuel cells emit only heat and water as byproducts.
• High Energy Efficiency: Fuel cells are more energy efficient than traditional combustion technologies.
• No Need for Charging: Unlike battery-powered electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles do not need to be plugged in. Most models exceed 300 km of range on a full tank and can be refuelled with a nozzle, similar to petrol or diesel stations.

Disadvantages

• Energy Intensive Production: The process of making hydrogen often requires energy from fossil fuel sources, raising questions about hydrogen's green credentials.
• Safety Concerns: Hydrogen is more explosive than petrol, although modern fuel cell vehicles use highly durable carbon fibre tanks that undergo rigorous safety testing.
• Cost: Fuel cell vehicles are currently expensive, and fuel dispensing pumps are scarce. However, this is expected to improve with scale and distribution.
• Infrastructure Challenges: The availability of hydrogen fueling stations is limited, which can be a barrier to widespread adoption.
• Cost of Hydrogen Production: Reducing the cost of hydrogen production to make it cheaper than natural gas is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.

Japan is investing heavily in fuel cell technology, aiming to reduce costs and improve infrastructure to make hydrogen fuel cells a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional combustion engines.

6. Progress in India with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

• In India, the current definition of electric vehicles (EVs) only includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The government has reduced taxes on EVs to 12%. However, hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are taxed at 43%, the same rate as internal combustion (IC) vehicles.
• Under the Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) program of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, various projects related to hydrogen and fuel cells are being supported. Currently, 14 RD&D projects are under implementation, with eight projects sanctioned and 18 completed between 2016-17 and 2018-19.
• The Ministry of Science and Technology has also supported two networked centres focused on hydrogen storage. These centres are led by IIT Bombay and the Nonferrous Materials Technology Development Centre in Hyderabad, involving 10 institutions, including IITs and IISc Bangalore.