Solar gas technology has great potential for India: Study

Solar gas technology has great potential for India for securing its energy needs, a new study has found.
The study, conducted by Australia's National Science Agency - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has found that the new technology has potential of creating job, providing improved energy and food security, greater yields in fertiliser and produce solar liquid fuels for transport.
Gujarat and Rajasthan were identified as key states for India for the application of the technology due to excellent solar resource, existing natural gas infrastructure and existing major industrial users of hydrogen in the petro-chemical and fertiliser industry, officials elaborated.

"The technology has strong potential in Gujarat and Rajasthan because both states have excellent resources and natural gas infrastructure as well as being major industrial users of hydrogen," CSIRO's Senior Research Scientist, Jim Hinkley said during the launch of the study at the Australian High Commission today.
The technology concentrates the sun's rays to drive a reaction between water and natural gas which stores solar energy in the form of chemical bonds.
Hinkley further added that application of solar gas technology include electricity production through combustion in gas engine, to make pure hydrogen for end uses such as fertiliser production and others, as a blend between natural gas for cleaner burning transport fuel and others.

Officials said that apart from undertaking an assessment of potential industrial application of solar gas in India, the study also aimed at identifying potential sites and develop localised cost for implementation of a pilot scale solar gas facility in India.

"India needs energy security and it is looking at countries like Australia to help provide that security and Australia is also looking to India for continued investment and support with our resources," Australian High Commissioner Patrick Suckling said.
He said both India and Australia are deeply committed to having renewable energy as part of the energy mix.
"We have this initiative for solar gas and the research and study which has been done. India is very interested in this sort of technology. This work is also bringing together innovation and research between our two countries," he said.