Trial of hydrogen-enriched CNG buses begins in Delhi

The most important benefit of HCNG fuel is that it emits 70 per cent less carbon monoxide, reduces total hydrocarbons emissions by around 15 per cent and increases fuel efficiency by 3-4 per cent. Once the trial is successfully completed, use of HCNG can be scaled up to other buses and private vehicles in Delhi.

New Delhi: In a first, the national capital has started plying 50 buses on hydrogen-spiked CNG from Tuesday onwards.

Interacting with ETV Bharat here on the occasion, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot who inaugurated the Hydrogen-enriched Compressed Natural Gas (HCNG) plant and dispensing station here, said: "We are starting the six-month trial of HCNG fuel in 50 BS-IV compliant buses of Rajghat depot starting today. Delhi, as the country's capital, is taking a lead in promoting environment-conscious transport policies by adopting cleaner fuels like HCNG and electric vehicles".

He said the fight against pollution needs the involvement of all governments and we all should work together to deal with the problem.

The most important benefit of HCNG fuel is that it emits 70 per cent less carbon monoxide, reduces total hydrocarbons emissions by around 15 per cent and increases fuel efficiency by 3-4 per cent, he said, adding that he was assured that once the trial is successfully completed, use of HCNG can be scaled up to other buses and private vehicles in Delhi.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan along with senior officers from his ministry, Delhi transport department, Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Indraprastha Gas Limited, said a Delhi government statement.

The HCNG production plant at Rajghat has the capacity of producing four tonnes of fuel per day. It has been set-up by IOCL in collaboration with the transport department of Delhi, said the statement.

The Delhi transport department has provided a fund of Rs 15 crore for the setting up of the plant and conducting the study on the fuel, it said. Fifty cluster buses have been earmarked by the transport department for holding demonstration trials for a period of 6 months.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has also notified HCNG as a fuel starting September 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)