The Indian government is actively working to transition towards sustainable mobility to reduce its dependence on imported crude oil. With 87% of the nation’s crude oil coming from imports, a strategic economic and environmental shift is crucial. The government is therefore focusing on alternative fuels as a cornerstone of this transition. This was highlighted by Nitin Gadkari at a recent MOU exchange ceremony between Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium International.
Gadkari emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving ethanol-blended fuels, biodiesel, compressed biogas, and green hydrogen. The government is actively advancing these areas. This includes large-scale hydrogen truck trials along major freight corridors, supported by an investment of around Rs 500 crore through the National Green Hydrogen mission. While green hydrogen is the long-term aim, the government is also focused on making the economics of these new developments work. The government is welcoming innovation and seeking unconventional methods of hydrogen production, including from municipal solid waste, organic matter, and bamboo plantations. The Ministry is working on various clean fuel technologies, including nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol fuel blending.
The government also plans to support hybrid cars that are ethanol-compatible and to evaluate isobutanol-diesel blends. Furthermore, plans are underway for the development of compressed biogas networks in rural areas. To facilitate the adoption of sustainable mobility, the government has already cleared 100% ethanol use in flex-fuel vehicles and is working on new IC retro fitment kits that would enable IC engines to work with Hydrogen and advanced Biofuels. Nitin Gadkari highlighted that the auto industry’s transformation is valued at Rs 22 lakh crore, the third largest in the world.
These details were discussed at a partnership ceremony between Toyota and Ohmium aimed at developing hydrogen power solutions in India. Toyota will provide its expertise in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to support the country’s need for sustainable fuels for greener mobility. TKM would supply advanced fuel cell modules, system integration and offer technical consultations. Ohmium would design and evaluate the performance of hydrogen-driven microgrid prototypes. This partnership reinforces support for both hydrogen applications and the Make in India initiative.