India’s First Indigenously Built Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry Boat

February 29, 2024

GS Paper III Economy & Environment

Context:

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry

Recently, the Prime Minister flagged off India’s first indigenously built hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Key Features of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry Boat/ Green Hydrogen Vessel

Manufactured by : Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), under the Harit Nauka initiative

Harit Nauka- Inland Vessels Green Transition Guidelines:

The Harit Nauka Guidelines show MoPSW’s commitment to transforming the maritime landscape by adopting green vessels & establishing operationalization of the green ecosystem.
It also aims to embrace low/zero emission sources of fuel &
Attain 100% green vessels in the Indian waters by 2047.

Significance:
- It will make urban mobility smooth and easy,
- It underscores India’s commitment to leveraging innovative clean energy technologies in the transportation sector.
- It aligns with India’s net-zero commitments.

Working Principle of the Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry Boat

The green hydrogen vessel operates by converting hydrogen’s chemical energy into electricity through a reaction with oxygen.
Utilizing Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, specifically designed for transportation,
The vessel’s fuel cell generates electricity by directing hydrogen fuel through PEM cell stacks.
Consequently, the vessel emits only water and warm air, ensuring zero emissions.

PEM fuel Cell Technology :

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, also called proton exchange membrane fuel cells, use a proton-conducting polymer membrane as the electrolyte.
Hydrogen is typically used as the fuel. These cells operate at relatively low temperatures and can quickly vary their output to meet shifting power demands.

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water, that is splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.
Aim: To limit global warming to 1.5C and reduce fossil fuel dependency by replacing green hydrogen.
Production: Green hydrogen is traditionally produced from methane (CH4), split with steam into CO2 (GreenHouse Gas) and H2 (Hydrogen).

Also Read: Hybrid Vehicles A Better And Cleaner Solution For India

News Source : The Hindu

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