NATIONAL HYDROGEN ENERGY ROADMAP

New Delhi, 22 September 2006

NEW DELHI, September 23 (INFA): India’s efforts to tap new energy technologies has been further strengthened with the preparation of a National Hydrogen Energy Roadmap.

The Roadmap, which breaks away from the present hydrocarbon economy, has been prepared by a Steering Group, set up by the Government of India. It was headed by Ratan Tata and comprised Chiefs of the Indian Space Research Organisation, Atomic Energy Commission, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. It

The Roadmap has suggested that in the coming years hydrogen energy can provide clean, reliable and sustainable energy to meet the country’s growing demand. It discusses different aspects of hydrogen energy like production, storage, transport, delivery, applications, safety, standards and codes, capacity building and awareness.  It calls upon the research community to develop newer methods of hydrogen production from coal gasification, nuclear energy, biomass, biological and renewable energy, in addition to the existing methods of production based on steam methane reformation. 

In the area of hydrogen storage which includes gaseous, liquid, and solid state storage, various goals concerning efficiency of storage, useful life cycle, compactness, cost, etc. to be achieved by 2020 have been identified.

Two major initiatives, namely the Green Initiative for Future Transport (GIFT) and Green Initiative for Power Generation (GIP) have been proposed.  The GIFT aims at developing and demonstrating hydrogen powered IC engines and fuel cell-based vehicles ranging from two and three wheelers to cars and buses. 

This would result in one million hydrogen fuelled vehicles plying on Indian roads by 2020.  The GIP on the other hand envisages developing and demonstrating hydrogen powered IC engines and turbines, and fuel cell-based decentralized power generating systems.  About 1000 MW of decentralized hydrogen-based power generation is expected in the country by 2020.

The Roadmap has projected an estimated investment of Rs.25000 crore, of which Rs.24,000 crore would be utilized for creating infrastructure for hydrogen production, its storage, transportation and distribution and for meeting requirements under GIFT and GIP initiatives.  The remaining Rs.1000 crore would be used for research, development and demonstration. The Roadmap recommends strong public and private partnership for the implementation of its proposals. ---INFA

ROVING CAMERA FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATORS

HYDERABAD, September 23 (INFA): Interceptor vehicles will soon prowl the Hyderabad city to pin down traffic violators.  The interceptors, equipped with a 360-degree roving cameras atop it will capture traffic offences.

The interceptor will be a multi-functional one. Its cost is around Rs.25 lakh per piece.

The Delhi Police has eight such interceptors.  If Hyderabad interceptors function well, more vehicles will be procured.  At present, Hyderabad city has five interceptors. ---INFA