New Delhi Hosts IPHE Meeting on the Future of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies

In a significant move towards advancing hydrogen fuel cell technologies, New Delhi, India, hosted the 41st Steering Committee Meeting of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) from March 18 to 22, 2024. The event commenced with a day dedicated to academic outreach at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on March 18, drawing experts from various fields to discuss the future of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

During the opening session, Prof. Ajay Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, stressed the imperative to make hydrogen technologies more economical and cleaner. He underscored the importance of skill development and research and development (R&D) in this sector, noting the efforts of various ministries, including the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, to foster the adoption of Green Hydrogen. Prof. Sood highlighted the critical components of the hydrogen value chain: Production, Storage, Transportation, Distribution, and Consumption.

Shri Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, emphasized the pressing challenge of climate change and the crucial role of academia and research institutions in the energy transition and development of the hydrogen sector. He advocated for a shift from grey to green hydrogen to increase its share in the energy mix.

Mr. Noe Van Hulst, the Vice-Chairperson of IPHE, recognized India as a key player in the global economy and its role in the clean energy future. He called for enhanced educational outreach, skill development, and innovation in clean hydrogen technologies, highlighting the critical role of academia in these efforts.

Prof. Naresh Bhatnagar, Dean of R&D at IIT Delhi, shared insights into the institute’s two-decade-long involvement in hydrogen-powered vehicle R&D. He informed attendees about the energy system courses offered at various levels and the institute’s work on high-pressure storage for hydrogen cylinders at 750 bar.

Shri Kishor Nair, CEO of the Avaada Group, discussed global and Indian initiatives for energy transition and net-zero commitments. He encouraged academia and researchers to develop more efficient and cost-effective technologies for hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and application.

In his welcoming remarks, Shri Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, highlighted the pivotal role of Green Hydrogen as a future fuel alternative, noting the government’s initiatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to promote its use.

The event also featured interactive activities like poster presentations and a quiz competition, with winners announced in each category.

Two panel discussions further enriched the academic outreach. The first panel, “Empowering Expertise: Cultivating Skill Development in the Clean/Green Hydrogen Arena,” addressed the need for skilled personnel familiar with the specific safety, security, and regulatory standards of the green hydrogen sector. It underscored the importance of new skill development and hands-on training.

The second panel, “Unveiling the Future: Clean/Green Hydrogen Technologies and Its Transformative Applications,” delved into the research and innovation in clean/green hydrogen. The panel discussed the need for technological advancements to reduce production costs and the importance of an increased demand through regulatory frameworks for the sector’s growth.

The IPHE meeting in New Delhi marks a crucial step towards integrating hydrogen technologies into the mainstream energy sector, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and education as key drivers for a sustainable energy future.