India’s commitment to sustainable mobility is underscored by its need to reduce reliance on imported crude oil. Given that 87% of the nation’s crude oil supply is imported, the government is prioritizing a shift towards alternative fuels. Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, highlighted these efforts during a recent MOU exchange between Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium International.
He emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted strategy encompassing ethanol-blended fuels, biodiesel, compressed biogas, and green hydrogen. The government is making significant strides in all these areas. This includes large-scale hydrogen truck trials on key freight routes, with an investment of Rs 500 crore under the National Green Hydrogen mission. While green hydrogen is the long-term goal, the government is focused on ensuring economic viability and welcoming innovations such as the use of municipal solid waste, organic matter, and bamboo plantations for hydrogen production. The government is also developing a range of new clean fuel technologies, including a nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol fuel blending to reduce crude oil prices.
The government also plans to support hybrid cars with ethanol compatibility and evaluate isobutanol-diesel blends. Furthermore, there are plans to develop compressed biogas networks in rural areas. The government has already approved 100% ethanol use in flex-fuel vehicles and is developing IC retro fitment kits that would enable IC engines to work with Hydrogen and advanced Biofuels. Nitin Gadkari noted that this transformation of the auto industry is valued at Rs 22 lakh crore, the third largest in the world.
The announcement was made at a ceremony for a partnership between Toyota and Ohmium aimed at advancing hydrogen power solutions in India. Toyota will contribute its Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles expertise to support the growing need for sustainable fuels. The agreement includes the supply of advanced fuel cell modules, system integration and technical consultations by TKM. Ohmium will focus on the design and performance evaluation of hydrogen-driven microgrid prototypes. This collaboration aims to advance hydrogen applications and support the Make in India initiative.
