New Delhi: A letter of intent (LoI) was signed between the department of science and technology (DST), government of India, and Germany based Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) for a long-term collaboration focusing on hydrogen technologies.
The LoI was signed by Anita Gupta, scientist G and head, energy technologies cell, DST and Christopher Hebling, director, division hydrogen technologies, Fraunhofer ISE in the presence of S Chandrashelhar, secretary, DST, on Saturday. The event was also attended by R Madhan, director, Indo-German science & technology centre (IGSTC), Anandi Iyer, director, Fraunhofer India and officials representing both the sides.
Also Read: India to launch its hydrogen-powered train on next I-Day: Minister
India and Germany share the goal of decarbonizing their economies and are committed to collaborating jointly in the pursuit of energy security and climate protection. Both countries have committed to develop a national green hydrogen economy to facilitate achievement of the Paris Agreement targets, said a statement issued by the DST.
The LoI will trigger development of higher technology readiness level (TRL) for hydrogen energy clusters being set up by DST and identify existing technologies and potential interventions from Fraunhofer in green hydrogen, integrate them with indigenous technologies, and deploy /calibrate them for Indian conditions.
Also Read: India launches its indigenously built hydrogen fuel cell bus
DST will provide the enabling framework for cooperation in the hydrogen valley cluster projects, support activities, and facilitate the resources needed wherever applicable and possible. Meanwhile, Fraunhofer acts as a technology partner for the hydrogen valley /cluster, provides information and access to technologies of TRL 5 – 8, scientific and technical experts, collaboration in preparing technology roadmaps and guidelines for innovation ecosystem/cluster.
This collaboration will pave the way to forge active engagements and collaborations based on mutual needs and strength to further research and technological capabilities in the hydrogen and clean energy sector. It would help in accelerating pathways for energy transition in India.
