CSIR is implementing Mission Mode project for developing indigenous electrolyzers; DST is supporting Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Program: Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister – EQ
In Short : The Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister highlights that CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) is implementing a Mission Mode project for developing indigenous electrolyzers. Furthermore, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is supporting the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Program. This suggests a concerted effort to advance indigenous technology and research in the field of electrolyzers and hydrogen fuel cells.
In Detail : The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has informed about the steps taken by the Government to provide guidance for developing a vibrant research and development ecosystem which can help commercialization of Green Hydrogen.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Government in January 2023. The overarching objective of the Mission is to make India the Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
The following components have been announced as part of the Mission:
Pilot Projects for steel, mobility, shipping, decentralized energy applications, hydrogen production from biomass, hydrogen storage, etc. with an outlay of Rs. 1,466 crores;
Research & Development programme including through a public-private partnership framework for R&D with an outlay of Rs. 400 crores.
The Research and Development roadmap for the Mission has been released on 7th October 2023, which outlines the important research areas in this field.
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is implementing a Mission Mode Project, with an outlay of Rs. 75 crores, to develop different types of indigenous electrolysers, namely Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser, and Solid Oxide Electrolyser (SOE) electrolysers; Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Storage Cylinders. The emphasis is on making the electrolysers and fuel cells with efficiency comparable to global benchmarks.
Department of Science & Technology (DST) has supported the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell program with an objective to promote and support activities related to the indigenous development of materials, catalysts, membrane, components for fuel cells, electrolyzers, hydrogen storage materials, materials for type IV cylinders and prototypes for implementation of various applications of hydrogen and fuel cell in the country.
This information has been given by the Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power Shri R. K. Singh, in a written reply to a question, in Lok Sabha today, February 8, 2024.
