Key Challenges and Opportunities in Hydrogen Production Highlighted at ARCI-Led Event

Dr. R. Gopalan, former Regional Director of ARCI Chennai, highlighted the need for a circular economy in hydrogen production, a key factor in further reducing costs.

Industrialists, entrepreneurs, and business enthusiasts gathered to explore the commercialization prospects of hydrogen energy technologies during a workshop on fostering start-up ecosystems, held on National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, October 8, 2024. The workshop, organized by the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), focused on the challenges and strategies for accelerating hydrogen energy adoption in India.

Dr. R. Vijay, Director of ARCI, emphasized the importance of reducing hydrogen production costs to make it more attractive in the market. Speaking as Guest of Honour, he showcased ARCI's role in transferring hydrogen technologies at both the component and system levels. He also highlighted ARCI's ongoing support for start-ups in the energy sector, which are critical to driving hydrogen technology forward.

The workshop, held at the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology at the IITM Research Park in Chennai, marked the 7th consecutive annual hydrogen workshop hosted by ARCI.

Integrating Solar Power with Hydrogen

In his inaugural address, Prof. Mohammad Rihan, Director General of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), underscored the importance of combining solar power with electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen. He described the synergy between solar energy and hydrogen technologies as a sustainable approach to generating clean energy. Prof. Rihan also mentioned the MoU signed between ARCI and NISE, which focuses on green hydrogen production, energy storage, and its conversion into electricity via fuel cells.

Circular Economy and Leadership in Green Ammonia

Dr. R. Gopalan, former Regional Director of ARCI Chennai, highlighted the need for a circular economy in hydrogen production, a key factor in further reducing costs. He also pointed to India's emerging leadership in the green ammonia synthesis field, positioning the country alongside other developed nations in the hydrogen economy.

Hydrogen’s Role in the Indian Automotive Sector

Several industry experts, including Dr. G.A. Pathanjali, Managing Director of High Energy Batteries, and Shri Krishnan Sadagopan, Senior Vice President at Ashok Leyland, discussed the crucial role of hydrogen in India's automotive market. They delved into hydrogen's potential applications in transportation, touching on the challenges of integrating hydrogen technologies and the sector's future growth potential.

Start-Ups Share Challenges and Opportunities

Numerous start-up founders and representatives shared their experiences with hydrogen production and utilization. They discussed both their technological capabilities and the significant challenges they face, particularly in scaling their solutions. Cost reduction, infrastructure development, and overcoming regulatory barriers were highlighted as critical hurdles in making hydrogen more economically viable.

Collaborative Efforts Toward a Hydrogen Economy

The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions in driving the hydrogen economy forward. ARCI’s efforts in fostering partnerships were seen as pivotal in this regard. Participants agreed that such collaborations are crucial for achieving India's vision of a hydrogen-based economy.

A Step Towards a Green Energy Future

This year's event, in celebration of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, marked a significant step in India's progress toward a green energy future. The discussions and insights from industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs will contribute to the advancement of hydrogen technologies that are set to reshape the global energy landscape.

By promoting innovation, lowering costs, and supporting start-ups, India is positioned to play a leading role in the global hydrogen market.