First Hydrogen Fueling Station in India to Open in 2007

The first hydrogen fueling station in India is expected to open in early 2007 by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). The hydrogen fueling station will be located near the major city of Delhi in a town called Nigambodh Ghat.

Consumers at the station will be able to purchase either pure hydrogen (or neat hydrogen as they’re calling it) or they can purchase a blend of compressed natural gas (CNG) mixed with from 10 to 30-percent hydrogen. Consumers and government bodies who wish to convert their gasoline vehicles to run on hydrogen can purchase hydrogen conversion kits from companies based in Ireland and other countries.

Modifications to the intake seals and vehicle’s timing will be necessary to run on hydrogen along with the installation of the storage tanks. The process of converting a gasoline car to run on hydrogen, however is similar to converting one to run on CNG and for the vehicles that will be converted to run on a blend of 70-percent CNG and 30-percent hydrogen, the difference in the conversion will be minimal.

The hydrogen fueling station at Nigambodh Ghat is expected to be able to handle up to 1,000 vehicles per day. Initially seven vehicle models including a two-wheeler, three-wheeler and a couple of mini buses will be modified to run on either pure hydrogen or with the CNG blend.