Green Hydrogen: The ongoing conflict in Iran has once again prompted the global community to explore alternatives to petrol and diesel. Recently, there has been a rise in the prices of petrol and diesel. As these fuels become pricier, individuals start to seek out alternative energy sources. Over the past few years, sales of electric vehicles have surged around the globe. At the same time, another alternative is quickly gaining popularity: hydrogen fuel. Both companies and governments are actively pursuing this option.
Can hydrogen genuinely replace petrol and diesel in the future?
What exactly is hydrogen fuel? Hydrogen is not a novel technology. Research into it has been conducted for many years, but it is now gaining momentum as it is recognized as a clean energy source. It is mainly utilized in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology. In this system, hydrogen interacts with oxygen to generate electricity, which powers the vehicle. Its most notable benefit is that it produces no smoke or harmful gases. The only byproduct is water or steam.
Green hydrogen is regarded as the cleanest form. Conversely, gray and blue hydrogen are derived from fossil fuels, which lead to increased carbon emissions. Therefore, for hydrogen to be genuinely eco-friendly, it needs to be made affordable and accessible to all.
In what areas can hydrogen be most beneficial? Many people assume that hydrogen is a universal solution, but that is not the case. Unlike battery-operated electric vehicles, hydrogen does not serve as a one-size-fits-all answer. Experts suggest that hydrogen may be more advantageous in situations where heavy batteries pose challenges or when long distances need to be covered.
What steps is India taking regarding hydrogen? India has started to make initial moves in the hydrogen sector. In 2023, the government introduced the National Green Hydrogen Mission, allocating a budget of around ₹19,744 crore for this initiative. The goal is to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen each year by 2030.
Additionally, several port-based hubs in the country, such as Tuticorin, Paradip, and Kandla, are being developed as hydrogen production and export centers. Private and public companies are also rapidly working in this direction. JSW commissioned a 3,600 MTPA unit in late 2025. GAIL and NTPC are also working on hydrogen in city gas networks.
Hydrogen still faces many big challenges
Although hydrogen is being hailed as the fuel of the future, it still faces significant challenges. The cost of producing green hydrogen is currently very high. Furthermore, its low density makes its storage and transportation challenging. Currently, hydrogen refueling stations are virtually nonexistent in the country. Furthermore, due to losses throughout the supply chain, its capacity is considered lower than that of electric vehicles. This is why battery EVs appear to be a more viable option for average car buyers in the near future.
Will hydrogen really be the fuel of the future?
Hydrogen won’t replace petrol, diesel, or electric vehicles overnight. But it’s also not right to ignore it. As the world grapples with challenges like rising oil prices and energy security, hydrogen could emerge as a strategic option. For India, its true potential lies not in ordinary cars today but in tomorrow’s energy security. If costs come down, infrastructure strengthens, and green hydrogen becomes widely available, it could become a key part of India’s clean transportation policy in the coming years.