Following the developments after India became the co-chair of the international programme on hydrogen energy which was signed a few months ago, there is an initiative by the government of India, through the department of science and technology to conduct direct research on hydrogen storage materials.

Though the thrust towards biofuel production continues, it is also making hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier which does not disturb the ecological balance and air quality, said R Sundaresan, associate director, advanced research centre for powder metallurgy and new materials (ARCI), Hyderabad.

Dr Sundaresan said, ‘‘It has become imperative that we develop hydrogen-based energy systems in the coming years because of easy storage and delivery of hydrogen.’’ However, it is also necessary to work on storage materials too, he said. It’s time to get out of fossil fuels and over-dependence on oil producing countries, he added.

‘‘An alternative energy is needed and hydrogen perhaps could be the best solution which causes zero pollution,’’ he said. However, at present, the price for this energy is two to three times costlier than petrol but newer technology could bring the cost down, he said.

In terms of production, common method is through electrolysis of water besides breaking of hydrocarbon and biological activity of sea water. On the research front, ARCI is working to improve the carrier material.

The main thrust would be to carry hydrogen as liquid or compressed gas form as it has limitations in terms of safety. ‘‘ARCI is developing magnesium-based storage materials. Called as nanostructural magnesium and inter-metallic composites, the research aims to make magnesium as a carrier and absorb hydrogen at the nano levels. The effect is that we can put 5% weight of hydrogen, approximately 60 litres, which can be safely transported,’’ Dr Sundaresan said.

Looking at this potential, ARCI is mulling coordination with transport departments, auto manufacturers and oil companies to go through this fuel cells route. The demonstration capabilities will be ready in the next two to three years but the economic commercialisation will take another 10 years, unless there is a concerted effort by the government, he added.

In addition to transport, where hydrogen can fuel engines and fuel cells, a wide variety of applications is possible for hydrogen storage systems such as batteries, power augmentation and management, etc.