How hydrogen powered vehicles will help India reach its emissions targets 

As India moves toward its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, one of the most promising solutions to decarbonize its transport sector is hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The transport sector, responsible for approximately 8.4% of India's carbon footprint, has long struggled to electrify, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses. These vehicles require long driving ranges and the ability to carry substantial loads – requirements that battery electric vehicles struggle to meet. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a clean, efficient alternative. When produced using renewable energy, hydrogen provides a zero-emission fuel source, ideal for long-haul and heavy-duty transport.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles offer several advantages over traditional electric vehicles. With extended driving ranges and quick refueling times (often just minutes) hydrogen vehicles can support commercial fleets with minimal downtime. Moreover, hydrogen’s high energy density enables these vehicles to carry larger payloads, overcoming the weight limitations that hinder battery-electric vehicles. For India hydrogen will be key to reducing transport-related emissions.

Kerala, a southwestern state in India known for its lush landscapes and progressive environmental policies, is leading the charge in hydrogen adoption for transportation. In 2021, Kerala's emissions reached 17.2 million tons of CO₂ equivalent, with nearly half originating from the transport sector. Kerala is already India’s leader in electric vehicle adoption, with 5.2% of passenger vehicles and 13.5% of two-wheelers being electric. Now, the state is taking its green ambitions further by exploring hydrogen-powered vehicles, including buses, trucks and even boats.

The state’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 has set the stage for pioneering hydrogen adoption in India. The Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley project, led by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), and one of the newest members of the Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative, seeks to establish a fully integrated hydrogen ecosystem. This initiative will position Kerala as a model for other states and demonstrate the potential for hydrogen to cut emissions across sectors.

Kerala is addressing barriers to hydrogen adoption through a mix of strong policies, partnerships and awareness-building efforts. In alignment with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, Kerala offers subsidies for refueling stations, tax incentives for hydrogen production and support for the Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley initiative. Through private-sector collaboration, Kerala is expanding its hydrogen-powered fleet and fostering research through the Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen.

Hydrogen-powered buses, trains, heavy trucks and boats represent a transformative shift toward a zero-emissions future, forming a cornerstone of India’s clean energy system. This adoption could generate significant economic and societal benefits, including job creation, innovation and investment in renewable energy infrastructure. It also offers a vital solution to combat urban air pollution, a persistent challenge in India’s growing cities.

However, realizing this potential requires overcoming key barriers:

To address these challenges, collaboration at an industrial cluster level is key. The Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley is best positioned to scale hydrogen production, accelerate the deployment of necessary infrastructure and foster innovation. This way the Kerala region can unlock the full potential of hydrogen, driving sustainable economic growth while achieving its climate goals.

The global hydrogen economy is rapidly expanding, with countries worldwide investing in hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. Kerala’s pioneering efforts are positioning it as a key player in this global movement, contributing to the creation of a cleaner, greener transportation system. By partnering with international organizations like the World Economic Forum, Kerala is not only advancing its hydrogen ambitions but also supporting global efforts to build sustainable mobility solutions.

Kerala’s ongoing innovation in hydrogen mobility can guide other states in overcoming infrastructure gaps and scaling up their green transport initiatives. For India to achieve its hydrogen ambitions, enhanced policy frameworks and targeted public-private partnerships are crucial. Kerala’s experience with hydrogen mobility will likely inform efforts at the national level, contributing to the broader push toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.