IOC to introduce Hythane in 2010

Indian Oil Corp. (IOC) plans to introduce in 2010 hydrogen-mixed compressed natural gas (CNG) that will improve the energy efficiency of vehicles by 15% and reduce emissions by 30%, a company official said. The country’s largest auto fuel retailer is in talks with the Delhi government for a fuel-dispensing network for the new fuel mix, called Hythane, in the national capital, Anand Kumar, director for research and development at IOC, told Economic Times. Hydrogen-mixed fuel requires new engines that will lead to a long adoption curve. For its part, IOC has spent over Rs 35 crore (US$7.55 million) on research to ascertain the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. The blended fuel will have a hydrogen content of 17-18% and cost 30% more than CNG in Delhi. IOC is in talks with automakers such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra and Eicher Motors for Hythane-compatible vehicles to facilitate the launch of the fuel in Delhi during the Commonwealth Games next year, he said. The company’s research department has tested the fuel on three-wheelers, which could be used to ferry passengers during the Games. (September 4, 2009)