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Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, adviser to the prime minister for energy, power and mineral resources, yesterday visited the hydrogen plant.

After his visit, Chowdhury told reporters that the government had taken several initiatives to increase the domestic use of hydrogen fuel. “Since this is the first plant in Bangladesh, the government is emphasising research in this sector,” he said.

Hydrogen is becoming more popular all over the world as an environment-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

“So, the main aim of the project is to make the fuel more affordable and popular,” Chowdhury added.

Since the raw materials required, such as biomass and water, are readily available in Bangladesh, hydrogen fuel could play a big role in the future as renewable energy.

“The project also aims to promote private investment in hydrogen fuel plants,” he said.

Md Abdus Salam, project director of the BCSIR, told The Daily Star that one kg of hydrogen could be generated from nine litres of water. About 33.33 kWh (Kilowatt- hour) of energy comes from one kg of hydrogen fuel, while petrol and concentrated natural gas provided 12 kWh and 14.7 kWh, respectively.

A car can run 100.131 kilometres using one kg of hydrogen fuel, whereas a traditional vehicle runs 16 km using one litre of petrol.

Besides, production, delivery and distribution costs were taken into consideration to determine the price of hydrogen fuel for usability, with the current unit price ranging from $1.60-10.

Hydrogen fuel systems do not require extensive infrastructure development and investment along with traditional fuel systems. Besides, hydrogen production is very promising in Bangladesh due to the abundance of water and biomass.

“In addition, hydrogen fuel will boost energy security, energy reserves and the national economy,” Salam said.

Energy from fossil fuels and renewable sources can be stored in the form of hydrogen, which can be used later by converting it into fuel or different forms of energy if required.

“This would add a large-scale renewable energy source to the national grid,” he said, adding that training workshops are already underway to ensure skilled human resources for the industry.