Shri Muttemwar calls for implementing National Hydrogen Energy Road map in all dimensions
NATIONAL HYDROGEN ENERGY BOARD MEETS
Shri Vilas Muttemwar, Minister for Non-Conventional Energy Sources presiding over the Third Meeting of National Hydrogen Energy Board, held here today emphasized the need to implement National Hydrogen Energy Road Map in all its dimensions, which was prepared by a Steering Committee under Mr. Ratan Tata. In his opening remarks, the Minister informed that with preparation of Road Map India has joined select group of advanced countries including US, Canada, Iceland, European Union, China, Germany, etc. who have their Road Maps. Shri Muttemwar further said The Road Map reflects the needs and priorities of our country. It provides the pathway for the transition to the new Hydrogen Energy Economy in the most cost effective and environmentally friendly manner. It would also enable us to achieve sustainable energy security for all in the country in the next two to three decades.
The Board in its meeting approved the National Hydrogen Energy Road Map. It was also proposed that a Steering Committee under Shri R.A. Machelkar, D.G., C.S.I.R. be set up to implement the Road Map. The Road Map has identified two major initiatives. Green Initiative for Future Transport (GIFT) and Green Initiative for Power Generation (GIP). GIFT aims at developing and demonstrating hydrogen powered IC engine and fuel cell based vehicles through different phases of development. It is envisaged that one million hydrogen fuelled vehicles would be on Indian roads by 2020. GIP envisages developing and demonstrating hydrogen powered IC engine/turbine and fuel cell based decentralized power generating system of about 1000 MW aggregate capacity by 2020. An investment of about Rs.25,000 crore during the 15 years period from 2006 – 20 is envisaged. The Road Map is based on public-private partnership covering all aspects of the total hydrogen energy system, including safety, codes and standards, public awareness and capacity building.
The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources had set up the National Hydrogen Energy Board in October, 2003, to guide the preparation and implementation of the National Hydrogen Energy Programme. The meeting was attended among others by Shri Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons, Dr. Kirit Parikh, Member (Energy) Planning Commission; Prof. K. Kasturirangan, MP, Dr. M. Natrajan, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission; Shri Saroj Kumar Poddar, President, FICCI; Shri Anil K. Agarwal, President ASSOCHAM; alongwith Secretaries of the concerned Ministries of Government of India and eminent experts in this field.
RCJ/Hb/16.1.06/NHEB Meeting