India will launch first hydrogen filling station

India will launch its first hydrogen filling station in early 2007. A petrol pump owned by Indian Oil Corp. situated near Nigambodh Ghat will become the first to offer hydrogen-refueling capabilities, delivering hydrogen and hydrogen mixed with CNG. The move will provide the opportunity for hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles to be refueled at the station, bringing fuel cells a step closer to becoming a viable option for transport in India. The new filling station will be able to meet the demand of as much as 1,000 vehicles per day. Hydrogen will be available in two forms: blended with CNG up to 30% or as neat hydrogen. By early 2007, seven vehicle models – Tata Indica, a Tata bus, Bajaj three-wheelers, an Ashok Leyland mini bus, an Eicher mini bus, Mahindra three-wheelers and the Mahindra Utility are expected to be ready with modified engines which can run on up to a maximum of 30% hydrogen blend. Banaras Hindu University has already developed modified two-wheeler and three-wheeler engines that are compatible with a CNG-hydrogen mix. (November 27, 2006)