As the world seeks alternatives to fossil fuels, Indian scientists are looking for hydrogen as a promising source of clean fuel. Significantly, Sikkim has been earmarked as a source of green hydrogen.

To make India the global hub for green hydrogen, at present, seven states have been identified by the central government under this initiative.

Sikkim is one of them as the only green state in the country.

Notably, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to accelerate the deployment of green hydrogen as a clean energy source, will support the development of supply chains that can efficiently transport and distribute hydrogen.

“This is because of the state’s policy of green mission in every aspect in daily needs, like producing vegetables which are pesticide-free, complete plastic-free state, even plastic water bottles of one litre for the tourists are not allowed! State government has plenty of schemes to keep Sikkim clean & green. No industry is allowed within the periphery of the townships,” said Dr Bhaskar Chakraborty, associate professor & head department of chemistry, Sikkim Government College.

“The Sikkim government, under the leadership of chief minister P S Golay, always encouraged projects which are green! Central government is pleased to choose this state for this purpose as number one for the upcoming projects for the installation of plants of green hydrogen production as alternative fuel for future,” Dr Chakraborty added.

“Though West Bengal is not included in the first phase of the Nation Green Hydrogen Mission initiative, taken by the central government, in this context, I would like add that our north Bengal is completely different from south Bengal as far as climate, natural resources and abundance of greeneries are concerned. So, along with Sikkim, north Bengal could also be considered under this mission,” Dr Chakraborty claimed.

According to him, the environment-friendly green hydrogen is used as fuel replacing gasoline or petrol in northern north Bengal, the pollution will be minimal and consequently emission of greenhouse gases will be minimized. The main revenue of north Bengal, which comes from tea and tourism, will be more explored. As the pollution is less, the Darjeeling Tea production will be in good quality and the tourists will be more comfortable in enjoying the natural beauty of north Bengal.

Scientists believe that hydrogen is an outstanding technology for transferring the benefits of renewables beyond the electricity sector, he said.