Once some clarity emerges on the most cost effective forms of production of hydrogen from renewable sources, the country has to evaluate distribution, storage and usage plans for hydrogen on a large scale. Safety would be a critical element of any such plan. It is only on the basis of detailed assessment that infrastructure and distribution facilities would need to be established. In our situation, there is a clear advantage in hydrogen being used for stationary applications, such as for fuel cells to produce electricity on a decentralised basis, rather than use for transportation only.

• Is there any purpose in targeting 1 million vehicles using hydrogen by 2020?

Such an approach would be totally ill-conceived and nowhere within the realm of economic viability. Nor does it seem part of an integrated energy strategy. Such a plan or strategy has all the elements of Muhammad bin Tughlak shifting his capital city.

The article is co-authored with Y.P. Abbi