Monday, June 23, 2025

MoRTH Allowed The Use Of H-CNG As An Alternative Fuel

Taking another step towards environmental protection, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved the adoption of H-CNG as an alternative fuel. The ministry has cleared that an absolute mixture of 18% hydrogen in CNG can be used for automotive purposes in CNG engines. 

HCNG as an alternative fuel

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also revealed specs (IS 17314:2019) of Hydrogen enriched Compressed Natural Gas (H-CNG) as a fuel. Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and Indian Oil Corp. Ltd (IOCL) has tested six CNG heavy-duty engines utilizing H-CNG (18% mixture) and found that the engine has passed the endurance tests. Also, they have recorded improvement in performance. 

Benefits of using Hydrogen enriched CNG (H-CNG) as a fuel

  • It needs only small storage for hydrogen and a column for mixing it with CNG at existing stations.
  • The safety components for H-CNG are similar to the CNG. 
  • It is easy and safe to use than hydrogen only. 
  • It improves and speeds up the combustion process.
  • H-CNG also improves fuel efficiency and thermal efficiency. 
  • HCNG decreases the unburned hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. 

Benefits of HCNG

Disadvantages of HCNG

  • Its storage and supply base is a big challenge.
  • The performance of the system and material compatibility requires to be taken into consideration.

Also Read: MoRTH Has Extended Validity of Motor Vehicle Documents Till 31st December 2020

Author's Take

Hydrogen is a zero-emission fuel and it is highly flammable. Blending it with CNG will certainly improve the combustion process. This will result in a reduction in emissions and an increase in fuel efficiency. This is a commendable step towards green mobility. The government and research institutes of our country should also take steps towards increasing hydrogen blend in the future.

Car News

Tata Harrier EV Prices Announced For RWD Variants

The Tata Harrier EV was recently launched in India, and when the drapes were pulled off, the company revealed its starting price, which stands...

Related Articles

Tata Harrier EV Prices Announced For RWD Variants

The Tata Harrier EV was recently launched in India, and when the drapes were pulled off, the company revealed its starting price, which stands...

Audi Q7 Signature Edition Launched In India At Rs 99.81 Lakh

Weeks after launching the A4 Signature Edition, Audi India has now brought the Q7 Signature Edition to our shores at Rs 99.81 lakh (ex-showroom)....

ABS To Be Mandatory For All 2-Wheelers From Jan 2026

The government of India has recently proposed a new safety regulation that mandates all two-wheelers sold in India to be equipped with an Antilock...

Harley-Davidson India Announces 2025 Lineup: Prices Updated, Fat Bob Discontinued

Harley-Davidson India has rolled out the prices for its 2025 motorcycle range. While several big bikes see a price revision, the most accessible Harley—the...

Mahindra Scorpio N To Get Bigger Infotainment, Panoramic Sunroof and ADAS

Mahindra is gearing up to update the Scorpio N in the coming weeks. Our sources reveal that the SUV will receive a host of...