Context:
Prime Minister of India virtually flags off the hydrogen cell-powered ferry boat, a milestone under the Harit Nauka initiative.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Other Notable Features of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry
- Harit Nauka Initiative: Unveiling Sustainable Inland Waterway Guidelines
- Understanding Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Other Notable Features of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry
- The ferry’s inauguration was part of a broader initiative, involving the commencement of a ₹17,300-crore project, encompassing the development of the outer harbor at the V.O. Chidambaranar Port.
- The Cochin Shipyard is the construction site for the vessel. Significance:
- The ferry is a catalyst for streamlined urban mobility along inland water routes, marking a pivotal move towards adopting eco-friendly energy solutions and supporting the country’s net-zero aspirations.
Harit Nauka Initiative: Unveiling Sustainable Inland Waterway Guidelines
- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways introduced the Harit Nauka guidelines for inland vessels in January 2024. Guidelines:
- States are mandated, under the guidelines, to strive for the use of eco-friendly fuels in 50% of their inland waterways-oriented passenger fleets within the next decade, reaching 100% by 2045.
- This initiative aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to curtail greenhouse gas emissions.
- On a global scale, the maritime industry is increasingly embracing green fuels, driven by environmental regulations, sustainability objectives, and advancements in green fuel technologies.
- Hydrogen and its derivatives are emerging as key players in the pursuit of zero-emission fuels for the shipping industry.
Understanding Hydrogen Fuel Cells
- Hydrogen fuel cells stand out as a clean, dependable, silent, and efficient source of high-quality electric power.
- Operating on hydrogen fuel, these cells facilitate an electrochemical process, generating electricity while producing only water and heat as by-products.
- Hydrogen, abundantly available on Earth, serves as a cleaner alternative fuel. Significance:
- Among the top Zero Emission solutions, hydrogen fuel cells are entirely environmentally friendly, emitting only water as a by-product.
- The minimal noise produced by fuel cells allows their application in challenging environments, such as within hospital buildings.
- The Union Budget for 2021-22 has introduced the National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM), outlining a strategic plan for utilizing hydrogen as a prominent energy source.
-Source: The Hindu
