India Permits Hydrogen CNG as Transport Fuel

The Indian ministry of road transport and highways on September 28 permitted the use of hydrogen-enriched compressed natural gas (HCNG) as an automobile fuel.

“A notification for amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, for inclusion of HCNG as an automotive fuel has been published vide GSR 585 (E) dated Sept 25 2020 by the ministry. The draft rules in this respect were made available to the public on the July 22. No objections and suggestions were received from the public in this respect,” it said.

The ministry has allowed the use of an 18% mix of hydrogen in CNG engines. The Bureau of Indian Standards has also set specifications for HCNG for automotive purposes, the ministry added.