Thursday 27 August 2009

Hydrogen - Fuel of the Future Convention gets underway in New Delhi

Indian Oil Corporation, in association with Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is organizing the ‘World Hydrogen Technology Convention 2009’ - a three day summit focusing on Hydrogen as the ‘Fuel of Future’. The Convention is aimed at addressing the issues related to safety, fuel economy and environment conservation.

The convention was inaugurated by former President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Honourable Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Pawan Goenka, vice-president, SIAM and president-Automotive, Mahindra & Mahindra and Sarthak Behuria, chairman, Indian Oil Corporation.

While inaugurating the Convention, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Former President of India said, “The government should provide facilities to the small time entrepreneurs at cheaper costs, reduction in excise duty, relaxation in tax and help in getting hydrogen technology patent, so that the world can see what India is and contribute in the hydrogen technology."

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Honourable Minister of New and Renewable Energy said, “India is actively involved from past two decades to develop this technology and hence, public private partnership involvement is crucial in the development of hydrogen based technology.”

Sarthak Behuria, chairman, Indian Oil Corporation, said, “The hydrogen technology is often compared with the marathon because we do not usually see the finish line. The global hydrocarbon community realizes the urgency to tame newer and greener fuel solutions. Hydrogen holds a promising potential.”

Dr. Pawan Goenka, vice-president, SIAM and President-Automotive, Mahindra & Mahindra said, “It is very heartening to see that both the Government and industry thought leaders have joined hands to work towards the development of hydrogen technology. Dr. Kalam’s views would surely guide us in the right direction to develop this technology. I am sure Indian Oil Corporation & SIAM would play a vital role in converting this convention’s agenda into reality.”

SIAM, along with its members, is actively working on various projects and initiatives in this area. The Automotive industry has drawn a roadmap to develop vehicles that can run with hydrogen and fuel cells. The programme aims to develop CNG-Hydrogen blend compatible buses, SUVs and other passenger vehicles including three wheelers. Automobile manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Eicher, Ashok Leyland and Bajaj have contributed vehicles and are actively involved in these projects. link

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