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Shri Vilas Muttemwar, Minister for Non-Conventional Energy Sources presided over the second meeting of National Hydrogen Energy Board which was held here today. In view of the growing importance of hydrogen energy as a potential alternative to fossil fuels and urgent need to coordinate national efforts which will accelerate development of hydrogen energy in the country through Public Private Partnership, the Board decided to expedite the process of preparation of National Hydrogen Energy Road Map.
The Board considered the recommendations of a Group on Hydrogen Energy, constituted last year by the Planning Commission, to suggest measures to accelerate development of hydrogen energy in India. The Group has recommended several projects on (i) hydrogen production, storage, delivery and application to be taken up in the first phase of hydrogen energy programme in the next three years. A budgetary provision of Rs.250 crore is proposed for these projects in next three years. A corpus fund of Rs.200 crore has also been recommended. The Group has in addition recommended provision of low interest loans at 3% and 100% accelerated depreciation on investments in hydrogen energy development. The Board accepted these recommendations made by the Group on Hydrogen Energy.
Three proposals were presented to the Board on (I) Large scale production of hydrogen through nuclear route, by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, (ii) Infrastructure for Hydrogen blending in CNG vehicles in and around Delhi, by Shri N.R, Raje, Director (R&D) Indian Oil Corporation, and (iii) Hydrogen applications in automobiles through demonstration projects, by Dr. Sumantran, Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers. The concerned groups will soon start work on these projects
In addition to the above proposals, the Ministry is working out the details of the National Hydrogen Energy Road Map, which will provide the basis for coordinated development on all aspects of hydrogen energy including production, storage, transport, distribution, safety, standards and applications. A Steering Group under Shri Ratan Tata is working on preparation of an action plan on specific demonstration projects and related aspects leading to preparation of National Hydrogen Energy Road Map.
The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has set up the National Hydrogen Energy Board to guide the preparation and implementation of the Indian Hydrogen Energy Programme. Among others, the meeting was attended by Shri Kirit Parikh, Member (Energy) Planning Commission, Shri Ratan Tata, Chairman Tata Sons, Shri A. Mahindra, Vice President, Mahindra & Mahindra, Shri S.K. Munjal, President, CII, Shri M.K. Sanghi, President ASSOCHAM.
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