TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: Prime Minister has inaugurated India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry on February 28.
EXPLANATION:
- The vessel, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, represents a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly maritime transportation.
- The inauguration ceremony took place virtually from Thoothukudi, underscoring the importance of this pioneering project.
- Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the entity behind the construction, initiated this ambitious mission to design, develop, and build the country’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell catamaran ferry vessel.
- This initiative serves as a crucial pilot project aimed at showcasing the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the maritime sector.
- India’s commitment to a sustainable future, with a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, is a driving force behind initiatives like the indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry.
- The adoption of green hydrogen as a maritime fuel is integral to this commitment, and the project aligns with the larger goal of transitioning towards clean and sustainable energy solutions.
Features and Benefits of Fuel Cell-Powered Vessels:
- Fuel cell-powered vessels, such as the hydrogen fuel cell ferry, boast several environmental advantages.
- They produce zero emissions, create zero noise pollution, and demonstrate high energy efficiency.
- These attributes contribute significantly to mitigating the adverse effects of global warming.
- The use of hydrogen fuel cells in maritime applications aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner and greener energy sources.
National Green Hydrogen Mission:
- It is a program to incentivise the commercial production of green hydrogen and make India a net exporter of the fuel.
- The Mission will facilitate demand creation, production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is the Nodal Ministry.
- It aims to entail over Rs 8 lakh crore of total investments and is expected to generate six lakh jobs.
- It will also lead to a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports by over Rs 1 lakh crore and an abatement of nearly 50 MT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
- The initiative by Cochin Shipyard Ltd aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, a strategic national effort aimed at promoting the production and usage of green hydrogen.
- The project’s inauguration is expected to catalyze further momentum in the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source in the marine sector.
Global Competitive Advantage:
- The early adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the maritime sector is positioned as a strategic move to provide India with a global competitive advantage.
- By embracing sustainable practices and incorporating cutting-edge technology, the nation aims to position itself as a leader in the global pursuit of environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
Hydrogen fuel:
- Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in a fuel cell, produces only water. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind.
- These qualities make it an attractive fuel option for transportation and electricity generation applications.
- It can be used in cars, in houses, for portable power, and in many more applications.
- Hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be used to store, move, and deliver energy produced from other sources.
Conclusion:
- The inauguration of the indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry represents a crucial step in India’s journey towards sustainable and eco-conscious maritime transportation. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates this groundbreaking project, it symbolizes the nation’s commitment to leveraging innovative technologies for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. The project is not just a milestone in Indian maritime history but also a significant contribution to the global effort in combating climate change through the adoption of clean energy solutions.
