Gadkari urges stakeholders to make fuels like green hydrogen available at cost-effective rates
1 min read 25 May 2023, 07:19 PM ISTThe minister stressed that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure the accessibility of these fuels to the general public while creating awareness about their benefits
PremiumNew Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday called upon stakeholders to prioritize the availability of alternative fuels, such as green hydrogen, at cost-effective rates to combat pollution and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The minister made the remarks during the inauguration of the ‘Green Hydrogen Conclave’ held in Mumbai.
Highlighting the importance of cost-effective fuels in curbing pollution and saving on fuel costs, Gadkari emphasized the potential of alternative fuels like bio-CNG and green hydrogen. He revealed that India has the potential to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per year.
The minister stressed that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure the accessibility of these fuels to the general public while creating awareness about their benefits.
“Green hydrogen will only be effective if it is affordable. We need to focus on keeping the rates low," Gadkari stated, emphasizing the government’s initiative to transform waste into a valuable resource. He highlighted the twin challenges of import dependency on fossil fuels, which poses a significant economic challenge, and the urgent need to tackle air pollution, particularly in metro cities.
Gadkari further underscored the global importance of decarbonization and the need for India to contribute to the fight against climate change. “Our vision is to make India an exporter of energy," he asserted, aligning the goals of a self-reliant India and a robust five trillion-dollar economy with the production of cost-effective, pollution-free, and environmentally friendly indigenous products.
The minister also emphasized the significance of diversifying the energy sector, mentioning the fast progress being made in thermal power, hydro power, and wind power. He advocated for the exploration of nuclear power as a zero-emission clean energy source. Gadkari further highlighted the potential of linking agriculture with technology and the power sector to create numerous job opportunities.
