- The Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has formally granted the approval to promote research, technology development, capacity building and industrial applications of green hydrogen in the state.
More on the News:
- It will be jointly developed by the IIT-BHU and the Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur.
- IIT (BHU) will serve as the lead institution, guiding strategic planning, research, and technical mentoring.
- The project is expected to facilitate testing of hydrogen storage, transportation, operational performance and various end-use applications.
Key features of the initiative:
- Hydrogen-powered train: It is proposed to be launched between Varanasi and Gorakhpur in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways.
- Green hydrogen-fuelled buses: The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is planning to introduce these buses between Varanasi and Gorakhpur, thus positioning the region at the forefront of clean mobility.
- Regional development: Nearly 50 per cent of the project infrastructure will be developed at MMMUT, strengthening the technology ecosystem in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
- Incubation hub: It will be set up in the centre to support innovation and entrepreneurship in green hydrogen and clean energy, helping build a strong startup ecosystem in the sector.
- Hub-and-spoke model: Based on this model nearby engineering colleges and technical institutes will be developed as spokes and will receive curriculum support, training and faculty development, mentoring and access to technical exhibitions.
- Advisory to the state government: This Centre will also provide policy recommendations to the state government on hydrogen production, storage, transportation and utilisation to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Hydrogen production methods: The Centre will prioritise biomass-based hydrogen technologies as it is a feasible and cost-effective option due to Uttar Pradesh’s abundant biomass availability, while continuing to advance research in other emerging hydrogen fields.
