Hydrogen fuel for transportation, including water transport, will lead to a greener future

In February 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell catamaran ferry vessel built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), as a pilot project. Cochin Shipyard is also participating in various Domestic and International projects featuring new green technologies to find sustainable solutions. These projects provide impetus for using Hydrogen in marine application and early adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the marine sector. Similarly, on 19 July 2024, the MV Sea Change was launched as the world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered 100% by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells, offering free transportation between Pier 41 and the downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

The MV Sea Change is a 70-foot, 75-passenger catamaran ferry featuring an integrated hydrogen power system from Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) with 360kW of PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells, 100 KWh of Li-Ion battery storage, and 600KW of electric motor propulsion, providing a top speed of 15 knots.

These developments augur well for the transportation sector, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore finding sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels are crucial for mitigating climate change. Green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources and emits only water vapor when consumed, is emerging as a strong alternative.

Green hydrogen is produced through a process called electrolysis, where electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process is clean and sustainable, as it does not involve the use of fossil fuels and does not produce any harmful emissions.

Green hydrogen (GH2) is emerging as a key enabler of decarbonization in long-range, heavy-duty transportation segments. Its high energy density and fast refuelling capability make it especially suitable for applications such as long-haul trucks, intercity buses, and inland maritime shipping—where battery-electric solutions often fall short due to weight and range limitations. 

Hydrogen fuel cell systems offer a clean and efficient alternative to diesel engines, delivering extended driving ranges and zero tailpipe emissions. As infrastructure and supply chains mature, GH2 is poised to play a critical role in greening heavy transport corridors and reducing emissions across hard-to-abate sectors.

One of the main challenges facing the widespread adoption of green hydrogen in transportation is the high cost of production. However, with advancements in renewable energy technologies and electrolyser manufacturing, the cost of green hydrogen is expected to decrease significantly in the coming years.

Another challenge is the lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. However, governments and private companies are investing in the development of hydrogen refuelling stations, and the infrastructure is expected to expand rapidly in the coming years.

India is taking significant steps in promoting the use of green hydrogen in transportation. The government has launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. The government is also providing incentives for the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and the manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Many companies too are investing heavily in green hydrogen. 

Green hydrogen has the potential to revolutionise the transportation sector and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With continued investment and innovation, green hydrogen could become a major source of clean and sustainable energy for transportation in the future.

The transition to a green hydrogen-based transportation system will not be easy, and at the moment the cost of producing green hydrogen may not be viable, but as the cost comes down, it will lead to a sustainable future. With the right policies and investments, green hydrogen can play a key role in decarbonising the transportation sector and mitigating climate change. As research and development in this field continue, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of green hydrogen in the transportation sector, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.