Union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari is bullish on the prospects of green hydrogen as an energy source and has indicated that the fuel could be used not just in transportation but also in the chemical and fertiliser industries.

“Green hydrogen is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels such as coal and crude oil. In the near future, green hydrogen will be the source of energy in aviation, railway, road transport, chemical and fertiliser industry,” said Gadkari at the 121st annual session of the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.

He also said the country has the potential to become a global manufacturing hub and exporter of green hydrogen.

Earlier this year, Oil India Limited announced the commissioning of its first green hydrogen plant at Jorhat in Assam.

The Niti Aayog has also identified green hydrogen as critical to the country’s net-zero ambition and has estimated the cumulative value of the green hydrogen market in India at $8 billion by 2030.

Gadkari advocated the use of technology and alternative materials in the construction and infrastructure sectors.