Hydrogen energy for transport sector by 2020

India will be ready with hydrogen fuel for the transport sector as a major alternative to fossil fuels by 2020, according to scientists.

"We are sure that by 2020, India can use hydrogen as an alternative fuel," S Banerjee, director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) said.

BARC scientists are also optimistic that by 2017, they will be ready with design and materials required for a 600MW high temperature nuclear reactor (thermal) for hydrogen production while the experimental facility of the much-hyped compact high temperature reactor (CHTR) for production of hydrogen and electricity, Banerjee told PTI.

These are in addition to already available hydrogen as by-products from various chemical industries, he said.

"It can also be used in fuel cells to generate electricity for stationary, portable and transport applications," he said.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had recognised the importance of this energy source two decades back, and a National Hydrogen Energy Road Map (NHERM) was approved by the National Hydrogen Energy Board in 2006.