The introduction of the latest innovative technological energy sources such as Hydrogen fuel cells could prove to be a game-changer for India's defense sector, an energy expert has said.
The comments of Arpit Chandna, who is associated with Refinitiv, an LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) firm, came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the country's maiden domestically manufactured hydrogen fuel cell-powered naval vessel on Wednesday.
"The fuel cell powered vessel has zero emission, zero noise and is energy efficient, which in turn reduces the effect of global warming," the state-run Cochin Shipyard, which built the ferry said in a statement.
The unveiling of the ship comes amid India's concerted efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, with the South Asian nation setting a 2070 target to become a net zero emitter.
In this context, Chandna stated that the launch is a commendable step of the Indian government towards energy transition to promote non-conventional energy.
India's Thrust on Hydrogen For Reduction of Its Carbon Footprint
The commodities analyst remarked that the V.O.Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu is planned to be developed as the country's first Green Hydrogen Hub port.
It is part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission which was launched in January last year with an objective to develop 5 Million Metric tons per annum of Green Hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
According to Chandna, the vision of the government is to develop sustainable cost-effective alternative fuels and develop new innovative green energy technology in the country.
How Hydrogen-Powered Ships Could Change the Landscape of India's Maritime Sector
Since the global maritime transport sector has already started to focus a lot on carbon emissions to counter climatic changes, it would be one of the appreciable efforts toward reducing carbon footprints in the maritime sector. Although India is yet to achieve its roadmap plans for inland maritime, this would be a good initiation to progress, he suggested.
Chandna reckoned that the government is open to exploring ways to introduce sustainable fuel initiatives in the defense sector. For example, the Indian Air Force has also successfully tested sustainable aviation fuel in their jet engines.
"Similarly, it would be a game changer to have the latest innovative technological energy sources such as Hydrogen fuel cells included by the defense sector apart from other sector's initiatives," he told Sputnik India on Friday.
Chandna pointed out that Hydrogen fuel cells have primarily been utilized in various applications of power backups ranging from portable to stationary sources.
"But now it is being used in the transportation sector also and once the V.O. Chidambaranar Port is developed as a hub of green hydrogen energy as per government policies & plans, it would be really helpful for Indian maritime defense to utilize the infrastructure and facilities accordingly. Separately, the presence of such strategic hubs on the Indian eastern coast will surely make the country's stance stronger," he concluded.