Context: 

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

• 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.

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).

News Source : The Hindu