1. First principles calculations of thermal equations of state and thermodynamic properties of MgH2 at finite temperatures, Computational Materials Science, 2008, 42, 510-516.

2. Density functional investigations of electronic structure and dehydrogenation reactions of Al- and Si-substituted magnesium hydride, ChemPhysChem, 2008, 9, 928-934.

Happy reading!!

On the eve of World Environment Day, the government committed itself to one green technology that may define the future — it has set 2020 as the target year to have 1 million carbon-free hydrogen vehicles on the road.

While many international auto majors, including Honda, Daimler-Chrysler, BMW, Ford, General Motors, have revealed such models, affordable styles are still about five to 10 years away — for a single hydrogen car today, the price tag is $1 million. In India, all models are only at the demonstration stage with no on-road prototype ready yet. Honda FCX is the world’s only fuel-cell vehicle certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

At a conclave organised by the CII today, R. Chidambaram, principal scientific advisor to the Prime Minister; Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and Ratan Tata, representing the industry, endorsed the National Hydrogen Energy roadmap and decided to prioritise action plans needed to put these vehicles on the road.

The key areas identified for research:

• Production: While the goal is to produce hydrogen from water, the view now is not to wait for that ultimate breakthrough but start producing hydrogen from industrial effluents (chlor-alkali byproducts) and even domestic waste. S. Banerjee, director, Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, is upbeat on the solar and the nuclear options for splitting water to get hydrogen and work has already started on this.

• Storage: It can be stored in solid, liquid and gaseous form. The Benaras Hindu University did groundbreaking work on hydrides that store hydrogen in solid form, considered the safest method. The BHU team has been asked to come up with 50 two-wheelers in the next few years.

• Application: Once the technology is ready, it could be put to use by the transport sector, industry and even smaller applications like cooking stoves and decentralized electricity. Tata is of the opinion that technology for vehicles has to be (internal combustion) IC-engine-based, requiring minimum modification to the existing system.

• Cost: This is the large, looming hurdle. As per current research, if the infrastructure to re-fuel is available and storage sorted out, it would still cost about Rs 200 for the mileage from the Rs 45-per litre of petrol. How much should the government subsidise?

“The cost of developing hydrogen fuel is high but it can be negated if the government can subsidise. However, we need to decide if subsidies should be given on existing applications to increase scale or on research,” said Ahluwalia. He said hydrogen technology was not economic at present and unless subsidised, the fuel would not to be commercially viable. “If we recognise that it is a potential resource, there is no harm in using subsidies to jump start it but….it is unlikely to become a plausible solution in energy security if it continued to be subsidised perpetually,” Ahluwalia added.

For now, there is plenty lying in labs for the industry to move on. “We now need a business model required for successful commercialisation of hydrogen fuel technology,” said S K Chopra, principal advisor and special secretary to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Some of the institutions involved in the research are BHEL, SPIC Science Foundation, Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata, IIT Delhi and Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi. Among projects already up and running are a hydrogen-fuelling station in collaboration with IOC and a demonstration project on hydrogen CNG buses.

1. hydrogen and fuel cell
2. biomass energy
3. hybrid automative drive
4. wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable energy
5. energy from waste

The last date for submission of papers has been extended. Those interested are still eligible to apply and can make use of the following instructions for ISCE authors.

A briefing sponsored by the Senate Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, in cooperation with the National Hydrogen Association and the American Chemical Society’s Science and the Congress Project Thursday, June 21, 2007, 1:30-3:30 pm Mansfield Room, S-207, U.S. Capitol Strong and far-reaching hydrogen and fuel cell provisions were included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which span everything from basic science to early market transition.  In concert with substantial federal and state programs over the years, many large and small companies, universities, research institutions and national laboratories have worked to solve critical research and development challenges.  There is a large, vibrant and growing hydrogen community in the U.S. and worldwide. This briefing will explore the purposes of the EPAct 05 hydrogen provisions, a hydrogen economy’s premier carbon benefits, the broad efforts of several key companies that are partnering with the U.S Department of Energy in comprehensive RD&D efforts, a package of tax incentives and the opportunities for the 110th Congress.   We expect a vigorous discussion. Hydrogen Highlights: EPAct 05 and Beyond – Jerome Hinkle, National Hydrogen Association Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure: Today’s Status and Tomorrow’s Needs – Richard Goodstein, Air Products and Chemicals Addressing Energy Security and Climate Change: Transforming the Transportation Sector – Keith Cole, General Motors Motive Power for Light and Heavy Vehicles – Judith Bayer, UTC Power Building New Markets for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells – Ethan Brown, Ballard Power Systems  There will be additional displays of hydrogen and fuel cell applications from the Department of Defense.  For further information, please contact Jerome Hinkle of the National Hydrogen Association (202.261.1307).  Please RSVP by June 19th to c_maxwell@acs.org (excepting Hill staff, the Capitol requires an advance attendee list).  After the briefing, several manufacturers will have hydrogen vehicles available at Peace Circle for demonstration.

NOTE- The above announcement was sent by info@hydrogenassociation.org.