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Q60 (IAS/2023) Science & Technology › New Materials, Energy & Environment-linked Tech › Hydrogen energy technologies Official Key

With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements : 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 (All three). Green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy, is a versatile energy carrier with diverse applications as explained below:

  • Statement 1 is correct: Hydrogen can be used directly in Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE). Unlike fuel cells, H2-ICEs burn hydrogen in a manner similar to gasoline or diesel, producing near-zero carbon emissions, making it a viable solution for heavy-duty transport.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Hydrogen blending with natural gas is a proven technology. This mixture can be transported through existing pipeline infrastructure to be used for heating or in gas turbines for power generation, effectively reducing the carbon footprint of natural gas consumption.
  • Statement 3 is correct: In Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), hydrogen undergoes an electrochemical reaction with oxygen to produce electricity, which powers an electric motor. This is a highly efficient, zero-emission application for decarbonizing the transport sector.

Since all three statements accurately describe the functional applications of green hydrogen, Option 3 is the correct choice.

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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements : 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. …
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 3.3/10 · 6.7/10

This is a classic 'Applied Science' question. While standard books (Shankar/NCERT) define Green Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (Statement 3), the specific applications (ICE and Blending) require awareness of pilot projects like Delhi's H-CNG buses. The strategy is to map every new energy source to its potential end-uses: Power, Transport (ICE vs EV), and Industrial Feedstock.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Can green hydrogen be used directly as a fuel in internal combustion engines?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Hydrogen engines burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine, in just the same way gasoline is used in an engine."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states that hydrogen engines burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine, analogous to gasoline.
  • Says hydrogen internal combustion engines are nearly identical to traditional spark-ignition engines, supporting direct use of hydrogen as fuel.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"From this work it appears that hydrogen can be satisfactorily used as a fuel for internal combustion engine."
Why this source?
  • Summarizes historical and recent investigations concluding hydrogen can be used as a vehicle fuel.
  • Directly concludes that "hydrogen can be satisfactorily used as a fuel for internal combustion engine."
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"hydrogen can be satisfactorily used as a fuel for internal combustion engines (hence transportation) with reasonable development work. However, the problems of distribut-ing the hydrogen and carrying it on board the vehicle have not been satisfactorily solved."
Why this source?
  • Affirms hydrogen can be used for internal combustion engines but adds important caveats about practical challenges.
  • Specifically notes distribution and on-board storage (high-pressure gas or cryogenic liquid) are major technical, economic, and safety obstacles to direct use.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods > p. 298
Strength: 4/5
“zz,to,z, Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods Depending on the nature of its extraction, hydrogen is categorized into three categories, namely, grey, blue and green. • Grey Hydrogen: it is produced via coal or lignite gasification {black orbrown}, or via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane (grey). These tend to be mostly carbon-intensive processes. • Blue Hydrogen: It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification combined with carbon capture. storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to reduce carbon emissions. . Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.”
Why relevant

Defines green hydrogen as a form of hydrogen produced by electrolysis from renewables, establishing the fuel type under discussion.

How to extend

A student can combine this with basic chemistry/engineering knowledge about hydrogen (a gaseous fuel) to ask whether gaseous fuels can be fed to engines.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Fuel cells for automobile transport > p. 296
Strength: 5/5
“0 Compared to vehicles powered by the internal combustion engine, fuel-cell-powered vehicles have very high energy conversion efficiency, and near-zero pollution, CO extsubscript{2} and water vapor being the only emissions. Fuel-cell-powered EV's (electric vehicles) score over battery-operated EV's in terms of increased efficiency and easier and faster refueling. In India, diesel-run buses are a major means of transport and these emit significant quantities of SPM and SOz. Thus, fuel-cell-powered buses and electric vehicles could be introduced with relative ease to dramatically reduce urban air pollution and to make a positive impact on urban air quality.”
Why relevant

States that fuel-cell-powered vehicles use hydrogen and are contrasted with internal combustion engines, highlighting an established alternative hydrogen use in transport.

How to extend

A student could use this to differentiate fuel-cell use (electrochemical conversion) from direct combustion and investigate whether hydrogen is typically used in ICEs or fuel cells.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Petroleum > p. 59
Strength: 4/5
“Crude petroleum consists of hydrocarbons of liquid and gaseous states varying in chemical composition, colour and specific gravity. It is an essential source of energy for all internal combustion engines in automobiles, railways and aircraft. Its numerous by-products are processed in petrochemical industries, such as fertiliser, synthetic rubber, synthetic fibre, medicines, vaseline, lubricants, wax, soap and cosmetics.”
Why relevant

Explains that internal combustion engines in vehicles run on petroleum hydrocarbons, indicating conventional ICE fuel characteristics.

How to extend

A student can compare hydrocarbon fuel properties with hydrogen (using basic external facts) to assess compatibility or required modifications for ICE use.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Control measuresi > p. 69
Strength: 4/5
“9. multipoint fuel injection engine). • ii. Catalytic converter filters in the vehicles can convert nitrogen oxide to nitrogen and reduce the potential hazards of NOx. • iii. use of good quality automobile fuels • iv. use of lead free petrol. • v. Use of compressed natural gas (CNG).”
Why relevant

Lists compressed natural gas (CNG) as an example of an alternative gaseous fuel used in internal combustion engines.

How to extend

A student can use the CNG example plus knowledge that hydrogen is also a gas to explore whether ICEs can be adapted to run on gaseous fuels like hydrogen (e.g., fueling, storage, injection).

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) - announced in Union Budget 2021-22 > p. 605
Strength: 3/5
“This mission will draw a roadmap for using Green Hydrogen as an energy source. It will focus on generation of hydrogen from green power resources. This Green Hydrogen Mission is crucial to decarbonise heavy industries and clean electric mobility. Hydrogen from renewable power is technically viable and it is vital for regional and national energy security. Green hydrogen energy is essential for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions.”
Why relevant

States the Green Hydrogen Mission aims to use green hydrogen as an energy source to decarbonise heavy industries and mobility, implying practical transport applications are a policy goal.

How to extend

A student could use this to justify investigating practical transport deployment paths (fuel cells vs direct combustion) and look for technical/regulatory reasons favoring one route.

Statement 2
Can green hydrogen be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for heat or power generation?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Hydrogen in the gaseous form can be used as fuel for all combustion applica-tions that use natural gas today."
Why this source?
  • Directly states hydrogen can be used in the same combustion applications that currently use natural gas.
  • Implies existing burners and combustion systems can be adapted (mentions burner design, valves, metering changes).
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"At today’s prices, blending green hydrogen with natural gas for use in households or power generation would increase consumer energy bills. ... At these low blends, burning hydrogen has minimal impact on GHG emission reductions, yet significantly increases toxic air pollution."
Why this source?
  • Discusses blending green hydrogen with natural gas for households or power generation (blending is considered).
  • Notes practical consequences of blending (cost increases, limited GHG benefit at low blends, air pollution impacts).
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"The heat of com-bustion of hydrogen is 12. 1/M.T/m 3 (325 Stu/ft3) compared with 37. 8 MJ/m 3 (1013 Btu/ft3) for methane. ... The energy throughput for hydrogen becomes near a factor of one-fourth compared with natural gas."
Why this source?
  • Provides technical constraints relevant to blending: hydrogen has much lower volumetric heat content than methane.
  • Highlights pipeline and energy-throughput economics that affect feasibility of using hydrogen in natural-gas systems.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods > p. 298
Strength: 4/5
“zz,to,z, Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods Depending on the nature of its extraction, hydrogen is categorized into three categories, namely, grey, blue and green. • Grey Hydrogen: it is produced via coal or lignite gasification {black orbrown}, or via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane (grey). These tend to be mostly carbon-intensive processes. • Blue Hydrogen: It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification combined with carbon capture. storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to reduce carbon emissions. . Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.”
Why relevant

Defines hydrogen types and states green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis from renewable electricity, establishing hydrogen as an energy carrier distinct from natural gas.

How to extend

A student could combine this with basic facts about hydrogen and methane being gases to investigate technical feasibility of mixing gases for existing gas systems.

NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Natural Gas > p. 115
Strength: 5/5
“Natural Gas is found with petroleum deposits and is released when crude oil is brought to the surface. It can be used as a domestic and industrial fuel. It is used as fuel in power sector to generate electricity, for heating purpose in industries, as raw material in chemical, petrochemical and fertilizer industries, as transport fuel and as cooking fuel. With the expansion of gas infrastructure and local city 52 CONTEMPORARY INDIA – II gas distribution (COD) networks, natural gas is also emerging as a preferred transport fuel (CNG) and cooking fuel (PNG) at homes. India's major gas reserves are found in the Mumbai High and allied fields along the west coast which are supplemented by finds in the Cambay basin.”
Why relevant

Describes natural gas uses — domestic/industrial fuel and for power generation and heating — outlining the established end-uses where a blended fuel might be substituted.

How to extend

A student could compare these end-uses with typical combustion/turbine requirements to judge whether hydrogen addition could serve the same roles.

INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Natural Gas > p. 61
Strength: 4/5
“the surface. It can be used as a domestic and industrial fuel. It is used as fuel in power sector to generate electricity, for heating purpose in industries, as raw material in chemical, petrochemical and fertiliser industries. With the expansion of gas infrastructure and local city gas distribution (COD) networks, natural gas is also emerging as a preferred transport fuel (CNG) and cooking fuel (PNG) at homes. India's major gas reserves are found in the Mumbai High and allied fields along the west coast which are supplemented by finds in the Cambay basin. Along the East Coast, new reserves of natural gas have been discovered in the Krishna-Godavari basin.”
Why relevant

Reiterates natural gas is used for heating and power in industry and power sector, reinforcing target sectors for any hydrogen–gas blend.

How to extend

One could use this to focus inquiries on whether industrial boilers and gas turbines in those sectors accept fuel composition changes.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Fuel cells for power generation > p. 296
Strength: 3/5
“Conventional large-scale power plants use nonrenewable fuels with significant adverse ecological and environmental impacts. Fuel cell systems are excellent candidates for small-scale decentralized power generation. Fuel cells can supply combined heat and power to commercial buildings, hospitals, airports and military installations at remote locations. Fuel cells have efficiency levels up to 55% as compared to 35-40% of conventional power plants. The emissions are significantly lower (CO₂ and water vapor being the only emissions). Fuel cell systems are modular (i.e., additional capacity can be added whenever required with relative ease) and can be set up wherever power is needed.”
Why relevant

Explains fuel cells as a technology for small-scale power generation with hydrogen-compatible emissions (CO2 and water vapour), showing hydrogen can be a direct power fuel.

How to extend

A student might contrast fuel-cell use of pure hydrogen with combustion of blended gas to assess different technical pathways to power from hydrogen.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) - announced in Union Budget 2021-22 > p. 605
Strength: 3/5
“This mission will draw a roadmap for using Green Hydrogen as an energy source. It will focus on generation of hydrogen from green power resources. This Green Hydrogen Mission is crucial to decarbonise heavy industries and clean electric mobility. Hydrogen from renewable power is technically viable and it is vital for regional and national energy security. Green hydrogen energy is essential for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions.”
Why relevant

States the National Hydrogen Energy Mission will roadmap using green hydrogen as an energy source, indicating policy interest in deploying green hydrogen for energy applications.

How to extend

This can prompt checking whether policy-driven pilots or standards exist for blending hydrogen into gas networks or for heating/power use.

Statement 3
Can green hydrogen be used in hydrogen fuel cells to power vehicles?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > 22.10 FUEL CELLS > p. 296
Presence: 5/5
“Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly and very efficiently into electricity (DC) and heat, thus doing away with combustion. The most suitable fuel for such cells is hydrogen or a mixture of compounds containing hydrogen. A fuel cell consists of an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes. Oxygen passes over one electrode and hydrogen over the other, and they react electrochemically to generate electricity, water, and heat.”
Why this source?
  • Defines fuel cells as electrochemical devices that convert a hydrogen fuel and oxygen into electricity, water, and heat.
  • Specifies hydrogen as the most suitable fuel for fuel cells, implying direct compatibility with vehicle power systems.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) - announced in Union Budget 2021-22 > p. 605
Presence: 4/5
“This mission will draw a roadmap for using Green Hydrogen as an energy source. It will focus on generation of hydrogen from green power resources. This Green Hydrogen Mission is crucial to decarbonise heavy industries and clean electric mobility. Hydrogen from renewable power is technically viable and it is vital for regional and national energy security. Green hydrogen energy is essential for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions.”
Why this source?
  • Describes a National Green Hydrogen mission focused on generation of hydrogen from renewable power and its role in clean electric mobility.
  • Explicitly links green hydrogen to decarbonising transport, implying its intended use in vehicle applications.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods > p. 298
Presence: 4/5
“zz,to,z, Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods Depending on the nature of its extraction, hydrogen is categorized into three categories, namely, grey, blue and green. • Grey Hydrogen: it is produced via coal or lignite gasification {black orbrown}, or via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane (grey). These tend to be mostly carbon-intensive processes. • Blue Hydrogen: It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification combined with carbon capture. storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to reduce carbon emissions. . Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.”
Why this source?
  • Defines green hydrogen as hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources.
  • Establishes that green hydrogen is a low-carbon form of hydrogen suitable as a fuel input for technologies like fuel cells.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC Science questions often test the 'Range of Application'. If a technology (like Green H2) is the 'future fuel', the examiner will test if you know it's versatile (ICE, Turbine, Fuel Cell) or niche. Always assume a broad application spectrum for flagship technologies unless a specific limitation is famous.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Moderate/Logical. Statement 3 is direct from Shankar IAS (Ch 22). Statements 1 & 2 are derived from 'Science of Possibility' and news on H-CNG.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Alternative Fuels & The National Green Hydrogen Mission.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. Color codes: Grey (SMR), Blue (CCS), Turquoise (Pyrolysis), Pink (Nuclear). 2. H-CNG: Optimal blend is ~18% H2 (Delhi pilot). 3. Energy Density: H2 has 3x energy of petrol by weight, but 1/4th by volume (storage issue). 4. Green Ammonia: Preferred carrier for export. 5. Electrolyser types: PEM vs Alkaline.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: In S&T, distinguish between 'Is it commercially viable?' (Maybe No) and 'Can it be done?' (Yes). The question asks 'Can it be used...', which refers to technical feasibility, not market dominance. Always bet on the versatility of flagship technologies.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Green hydrogen: production and policy role
💡 The insight

Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity and is being promoted as an energy source for decarbonisation.

High-yield for UPSC because it links renewable-energy technology to national missions and climate commitments; useful for questions on National Hydrogen Energy Mission, energy transition, and industrial decarbonisation. It connects to topics on renewable energy policy, energy security, and Green Tech adoption.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods > p. 298
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) - announced in Union Budget 2021-22 > p. 605
🔗 Anchor: "Can green hydrogen be used directly as a fuel in internal combustion engines?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Hydrogen in transport: fuel cells versus internal combustion
💡 The insight

Hydrogen is highlighted in the transport sector primarily in the context of fuel-cell-powered vehicles, contrasted with internal combustion engines.

Important for framing questions on low-emission transport technologies, air-quality impacts, and comparative efficiency of vehicle propulsion systems; helps answer policy and technology-comparison questions on EVs, fuel cells, and alternatives to diesel/petrol.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Fuel cells for automobile transport > p. 296
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) - announced in Union Budget 2021-22 > p. 605
🔗 Anchor: "Can green hydrogen be used directly as a fuel in internal combustion engines?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Fuel types for internal combustion engines
💡 The insight

Internal combustion engines conventionally run on petroleum-derived hydrocarbons such as petrol and diesel.

Core concept for questions on transport fuels, energy demand, and substitution of fossil fuels; links to energy security, petroleum dependence, and pollution-control measures in transport policy.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Petroleum > p. 59
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Control measuresi > p. 69
🔗 Anchor: "Can green hydrogen be used directly as a fuel in internal combustion engines?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Green hydrogen — production and policy role
💡 The insight

Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity and is being promoted as an energy source to decarbonise industry and mobility.

High-yield for UPSC: it links energy transition policy (national missions), low-carbon fuel pathways, and industrial decarbonisation. Questions often probe production methods, policy initiatives, and implications for energy security and exports.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) - announced in Union Budget 2021-22 > p. 605
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods > p. 298
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Objectives > p. 297
🔗 Anchor: "Can green hydrogen be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for heat or po..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Natural gas uses in heat and power generation
💡 The insight

Natural gas is widely used as a domestic and industrial fuel and for electricity generation and heating.

Important for UPSC as it frames discussions on fuel substitution, energy infrastructure, and demand sectors (power, industry, transport). Understanding gas end‑uses helps evaluate alternatives and policy trade-offs.

📚 Reading List :
  • NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Natural Gas > p. 115
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Natural Gas > p. 61
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Natural Gas > p. 17
🔗 Anchor: "Can green hydrogen be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for heat or po..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Fuel cells and hydrogen-based power/CHP
💡 The insight

Fuel cells provide electricity and combined heat and power with low emissions and are a viable small-scale hydrogen-based power solution.

Valuable for essays and tech-policy questions: connects technology options (fuel cells) with decarbonisation, decentralized energy, and comparative efficiency versus conventional plants.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Fuel cells for power generation > p. 296
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) - announced in Union Budget 2021-22 > p. 605
🔗 Anchor: "Can green hydrogen be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for heat or po..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Hydrogen fuel cell principle and suitability
💡 The insight

Fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen electrochemically to generate electricity, water, and heat, making hydrogen the appropriate fuel for vehicle fuel cells.

High-yield for UPSC because it explains the fundamental technology behind hydrogen vehicles and differentiates fuel-cell propulsion from combustion or battery-electric systems. It links to topics on clean energy technologies, transport policy, and emissions reduction and enables questions comparing propulsion technologies and policy choices.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > 22.10 FUEL CELLS > p. 296
🔗 Anchor: "Can green hydrogen be used in hydrogen fuel cells to power vehicles?"
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Green Ammonia. Since H2 is hard to transport (low volumetric density, cryogenic needs), India's mission focuses heavily on converting H2 to Green Ammonia for shipping. Also, remember the Mission Target: 5 MMT annual production by 2030.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Possibility' Heuristic: In Science & Tech, statements saying 'X can be used for Y' are 90% likely to be true. Unless the application violates basic physics (e.g., 'Hydrogen emits carbon when burned'), the answer is usually YES. H2 is a combustible gas; engines burn gas. Therefore, H2 *can* burn in an engine. Don't overthink efficiency or cost.

🔗 Mains Connection

Economy & Geopolitics: Green H2 is not just an environmental tool; it is India's strategy to cut the Current Account Deficit (CAD) by reducing the fossil fuel import bill. It aims to transform India from an energy importer to a clean energy exporter.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2015 · Q95 Relevance score: 3.82

With reference to 'fuel cells' in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements : 1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products. 2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers. 3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2019 · Q43 Relevance score: 1.63

In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements : 1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions. 2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide 'and hydrocarbon emissions. 3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses. 4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2021 · Q28 Relevance score: 0.47

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements : 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment. Which of the statements given above are correct?

IAS · 2025 · Q36 Relevance score: 0.37

With reference to 'Direct Air Capture', an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequestration. II. It can be a valuable approach for plastic production and in food processing. III. In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

IAS · 2012 · Q37 Relevance score: 0.28

Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statement is/are correct? 1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification. 2. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only. 3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not in internal combustion engines. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: