QUESTION

Medium

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2019

In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements :

  1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
  2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
  3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
  4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: While H-CNG significantly reduces carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, it does not eliminate them entirely. Burning hydrogen produces only water vapor, but since H-CNG is a blend of hydrogen and CNG, some CO is still emitted though at lower levels than conventional CNG.

Statement 2 is correct: H-CNG is cleaner than CNG, leading to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. The reduction depends on the specific blend ratio and engine efficiency.

Statement 3 is correct: As per Indian government guidelines, up to 18% hydrogen (by volume) can be blended with CNG for use in buses and other vehicles. This blend improves combustion efficiency and reduces emissions.

Statement 4 is incorrect: H-CNG is not necessarily cheaper than CNG. The cost is influenced by Hydrogen production methods, Infrastructure development and Blending technology.

Therefore, option (B) statements 2 and 3 are correct.

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