HORIBA India Launches Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Test Bed Facility in Pune
Key Ideas
- HORIBA India inaugurated a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) test bed facility in Pune to advance energy efficiency and sustainability in the automotive sector.
- The new facility represents an investment of Rs 28-30 crore and showcases cutting-edge technologies for hydrogen-fueled engines, supporting India's green initiatives.
- The HORIBA India Technical Center in Chakan, Pune, equipped with advanced testing capabilities, aims to cater to the Indian commercial vehicle segment and meet the demand for eco-friendly automotive solutions.
- Executives from HORIBA emphasized the importance of hydrogen as a carbon-neutral fuel and reaffirmed the company's commitment to sustainability, with goals to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.
HORIBA India, a subsidiary of HORIBA Ltd. based in Kyoto, Japan, recently launched its first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) test bed facility at the HORIBA India Technical Center in Chakan, Pune. With an additional investment of Rs 28-30 crore, the facility is designed to test hydrogen-fuel-based internal combustion engines to drive advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability within the automotive sector. The center also features an Experience Zone exhibiting state-of-the-art technologies like the Hydrogen Gas Analyzer, Hydrogen Fuel Flow Meter, and Laser Spectroscopic Motor Exhaust Gas Analyzer for live demonstrations.
Established in 2016 with an investment of over Rs 100 crore, the Technical Center spans 10,000 square meters and holds certifications including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, among others. It has been pivotal in emission measurement systems, analytical instruments, and indigenized customization. The facility is capable of testing engines up to 380 kilowatts, focusing on the Indian commercial vehicle sector and addressing the rising demand for sustainable automotive solutions.
During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. George Gillespie and Dr. Rajeev Gautam from HORIBA highlighted the role of hydrogen as a carbon-neutral fuel and the facility's contribution to India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. They reiterated the company's commitment to sustainability, aiming for a 42% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2033 and full carbon neutrality by 2050.
HORIBA India, with a workforce of around 500 employees across manufacturing facilities in Pune, Nagpur, and Haridwar, has seen significant growth. The company is expanding into tier-2 cities and contributing to green initiatives. Globally, HORIBA Ltd. operates in 29 countries with over 8,000 employees and is a market leader in emission measurement systems and mass flow controllers. The launch of the hydrogen ICE test bed facility signifies a positive step towards a greener automotive future.