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IndianOil-DMRC Launch Hydrogen Buses: A Leap Toward Clean Public Transport

IndianOil and DMRC have launched two hydrogen fuel cell buses in New Delhi to promote clean public transport. The buses, operating between Central Secretariat and Kartavya Bhavan, emit only water, making them pollution-free. IOCL Director Arvind Kumar stated the hydrogen used is green hydrogen produced at their R&D centre in Faridabad. IOCL is also developing a 10 KTA green hydrogen plant at Panipat refinery to expand its hydrogen mobility ecosystem.

Key Points: IndianOil-DMRC Hydrogen Buses Boost Clean Public Transport

  • IndianOil and DMRC launch two hydrogen fuel cell buses in New Delhi
  • Buses operate between Central Secretariat and Kartavya Bhavan
  • Buses emit only water, making them zero-pollution
  • IOCL expanding green hydrogen with a 10 KTA plant at Panipat refinery
2 min read

IndianOil-DMRC hydrogen buses to boost clean public transport: IOCL Official

IndianOil and DMRC launch hydrogen fuel cell buses in New Delhi, promoting zero-emission public transport. IOCL Director Arvind Kumar highlights green hydrogen expansion.

"Hydrogen-powered buses are a wonderful initiative for green and clean mobility. - Arvind Kumar, IndianOil Director"

New Delhi, May 15

Hydrogen-powered buses introduced by Indian Oil Corporation Limited and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation here mark a significant step towards clean and sustainable mobility in India, IndianOil Director Arvind Kumar said on Friday.

Speaking to IANS, Kumar said the two hydrogen fuel cell buses handed over to DMRC will operate between Central Secretariat and Kartavya Bhavan, promoting green and environment-friendly public transport.

"Hydrogen-powered buses are a wonderful initiative for green and clean mobility. The hydrogen used in these buses is green hydrogen produced at our R&D centre in Faridabad," he said.

Kumar explained that the buses emit only water, making them completely pollution-free.

"Hydrogen is used in the fuel cell, and the discharge is only water. So it is an environmentally friendly and zero-pollution scenario," he stated.

He added that although the initiative currently involves only two buses, IOCL is expanding its green hydrogen capabilities.

"At Panipat refinery, we are also developing a 10 KTA green hydrogen plant. It is under fabrication and will take some time to commission, but after that, we will take it further into mobility solutions as technology and economics mature," Kumar said.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for adopting cleaner and fuel-efficient technologies, Kumar said advanced low-carbon technologies such as green hydrogen should be actively promoted.

"It is the right initiative. Hydrogen-powered buses are a remarkable step that IndianOil has delivered to DMRC and gradually more such initiatives will come," he added.

According to Kumar, IOCL currently has 15 hydrogen-powered buses under various trial projects across the country.

He added that although the initiative is presently at a pilot stage, IndianOil is steadily expanding its green hydrogen mobility ecosystem.

On concerns related to global energy uncertainty and crude oil supplies amid tensions in the Gulf region, Kumar said India continues to face pressure in securing crude oil at the right price and at the right time.

"There is pressure on us because around 89 per cent of India's crude oil requirement is imported. We have to continuously rebalance and re-navigate supply equations," he told IANS.

However, Kumar assured that IndianOil's refinery operations remain stable despite global challenges.

"I assure you that all our 10 refineries are currently operating at over 100 per cent capacity," he said.

Kumar said India's energy strategy continues to focus on three key pillars -- energy security, affordability and sustainability.

"We have to balance all three together," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is exactly the kind of initiative India needs right now. I've been following green hydrogen developments globally, and seeing IOCL step up is encouraging. The 10 KTA plant will be a game-changer if executed well. But I wonder about the refueling infrastructure—hydrogen stations are still rare. Also, the cost of green hydrogen needs to come down fast for this to be viable at scale. Good first step, long way to go.
R
Rohit P
Great to see our refineries operating at over 100% capacity despite global tensions—that's solid management. But the article also admits 89% crude import dependence, which is scary. We need to double down on renewables and hydrogen. Two buses won't change the air quality overnight, but it's a hopeful start. Let's hope the govt gives more incentives for hydrogen infrastructure. Kudos to IndianOil and DMRC for the pilot.
P
Priya S
Honest question: Is hydrogen really 'green' if production still relies on fossil fuels? The article says it's green hydrogen from Faridabad R&D centre, but how is the electricity sourced? If we're using coal-based power to make hydrogen, the environmental benefits are questionable. We should be transparent about the entire lifecycle emissions. Still, better than diesel buses for sure. Just want to see full details before celebrating too much.
V
Vikram M
Hat tip to all the scientists and engineers at IOCL's R&D centre in Faridabad. Developing indigenous green hydrogen tech is no small feat. I saw a similar project in Tokyo recently—Japan is betting big on hydrogen. India should collaborate more with countries like Japan and Germany who are leaders in this space. The Panipat plant will be crucial. Also, good to hear our refineries are resilient despite Gulf tensions. Self-reliance in energy is the ultimate goal.

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