Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the country's first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel under the HaritNauka initiative in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi.

About

• The hydrogen-fueled electric vessel project is part of India's transformative efforts on the innovative and new technology fronts on green energy and sustainable cost-effective alternate fuel front.
• Wide range of application: Hydrogen fuel cells can be used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, material handling, stationary, portable, and emergency backup power applications.
• Environmental benefits:Hydrogen fuel cell powered vessel have zero emission, zero noise and energy efficient which in turn reduce the effect of global warming.
• Promotion:The inauguration of this project will provide impetus for using hydrogen in marine application as envisaged under National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Competitive advantage: Early adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the marine sector will provide it a global competitive advantage where by meeting sustainable green energy aspiration.

Why hydrogen?

• India's commitment to a sustainable future aims for net zero emissions by 2070.
• At the forefront of this endeavour is the adoption of green hydrogen as a maritime fuel.