As the global transition toward zero-emission mobility gains momentum, hydrogen fuel cell technology is emerging as a powerful ally to battery electric solutions in decarbonising the transportation sector. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have captured significant market attention, especially in urban commuting and light-duty applications, hydrogen-powered alternatives are poised to revolutionise heavy-duty transportation and long-haul logistics. In India, where the National Green Hydrogen Mission is driving large-scale investments and innovation, companies like Airox Nigen Equipments Pvt. Ltd. are playing a pivotal role in enabling this shift. As Chief Strategy Officer, Aniruddh Agrawal is at the forefront of strategising and scaling green hydrogen production, aligning with India’s sustainability and industrial goals.
In this exclusive interaction, Rashmi interviews Aniruddh Agrawal, Chief Strategy Officer at Airox Nigen Equipments Pvt. Ltd., to delve into the future of hydrogen mobility, the role of green hydrogen in decarbonising logistics, and how fuel cell technology can complement electric mobility for a clean transportation ecosystem. He shares deep insights on infrastructure bottlenecks, cost competitiveness, policy imperatives, and Airox Nigen’s roadmap for scaling green hydrogen production integrated with renewable energy. Agrawal’s perspectives underscore the importance of industry collaboration, innovation, and mission-driven leadership in advancing India’s clean energy transition.
1. As Chief Strategy Officer at Airox Nigen, how do you view the complementary relationship between hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric technologies in the clean transportation ecosystem?
Hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric technologies are not rivals, but allies in the clean mobility revolution. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are best suited for short-distance urban use, while hydrogen fuel cells excel in long-haul, heavy-duty transport where quick refuelling and long range are essential. Here, I believe a balanced ecosystem incorporating both technologies is critical to achieving a zero-emission future. As infrastructure and technology mature, a dual approach allows flexibility, optimises energy use, and addresses varied mobility demands across commercial and public transportation.
2. What unique advantages does green hydrogen offer for heavy-duty transportation applications where battery electric solutions may face limitations?
Green hydrogen stands out in heavy-duty sectors due to its high energy density and fast refuelling capabilities. Where battery electric solutions struggle with long charging times, payload constraints, and limited range, hydrogen fuel cells offer a more practical and scalable alternative. Vehicles powered by hydrogen can travel longer distances without compromising load capacity. For industries like logistics, mining, and interstate trucking, this translates into higher operational efficiency. We see green hydrogen as indispensable for decarbonising these sectors, particularly in a country like India, where freight mobility is a backbone of economic activity.
3. Could you share insights on Airox Nigen’s current green hydrogen production technology and how you envision it evolving over the next decade to meet the growing demands of the clean transportation sector?
Airox Nigen currently leverages state-of-the-art electrolysers powered by renewable energy to produce green hydrogen with zero emissions. Our technology ensures high efficiency and purity, aligning with international standards for fuel cell applications. Over the next decade, we foresee breakthroughs in cost reduction through scale, localisation of critical components, and AI-driven plant optimisation. We’re investing in modular, decentralised production models to bring hydrogen closer to demand centres. As the transportation sector scales its hydrogen usage, we aim to be at the forefront of supply reliability and affordability.
4. What technical or infrastructure challenges must be overcome for widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in commercial transportation?
Several bottlenecks remain, chief among them is the lack of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. Setting up a robust, standardised refuelling network across highways and urban centres is essential. There are also challenges in hydrogen storage, particularly at high pressures or cryogenic temperatures, which require further innovation. Additionally, OEMs and suppliers must work together to standardise components, improve efficiency, and lower costs. At Airox Nigen, we are actively collaborating with infrastructure developers and regulators to address these gaps and ensure a smoother, faster adoption of fuel cell technology.
5. How do the total cost of ownership projections for hydrogen-powered heavy transport compare to conventional diesel and battery electric alternatives over the next 5-10 years?
Today, hydrogen-powered vehicles have a higher upfront cost than diesel or battery electric options. However, over the next 5–10 years, we expect the total cost of ownership (TCO) for hydrogen vehicles to become highly competitive, particularly in heavy-duty applications. As electrolyser costs decline, local production scales up, and refuelling infrastructure expands, the cost per kilometre will reduce significantly. For long-range fleets, hydrogen’s fast refuelling time and higher uptime may even offer better economics than BEVs. Airox Nigen is focused on enabling this cost parity through domestic manufacturing and strategic ecosystem partnerships.
6. What policy frameworks or incentives would most effectively accelerate green hydrogen adoption in the transportation sector, particularly in India?
That is a great question. I feel that the Indian government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission is a powerful start. To accelerate momentum, we need time-bound mandates for hydrogen use in commercial fleets, capital subsidies for fuel cell vehicle purchases, and tax breaks for hydrogen production and infrastructure development. Incentivising public-private partnerships, along with clear safety and quality standards, will provide the needed push. We strongly advocates for demand-side incentives, including viability gap funding, that can de-risk early investments and attract broader participation from OEMs and logistics providers.
7. Looking ahead, what timeline do you foresee for hydrogen fuel cell technology reaching cost parity with conventional fuels in heavy transport applications?
When it comes to cost parity, it can be achieved as early as 2030, particularly in regions with abundant renewable power and strong policy backing. As production costs for green hydrogen drop below $2 per kg and fuel cell vehicle costs decline through local manufacturing and scale, hydrogen will become increasingly viable. In heavy transport applications, where diesel currently dominates, hydrogen offers long-term economic and environmental benefits. Airox Nigen is working toward accelerating this timeline by enhancing supply chain efficiency, improving electrolyser tech, and partnering with key logistics operators to drive early adoption.
8. How do you envision the integration of green hydrogen production with renewable energy sources to create truly zero-emission transportation solutions?
Integration is key to unlocking the full sustainability potential of hydrogen. By colocating electrolysers with solar and wind farms, Airox Nigen ensures a continuous, carbon-free hydrogen supply. This vertically integrated model not only reduces transmission losses but also helps stabilise renewable power grids. We’re already exploring solar-hydrogen hubs through our daughter company, Ahaan Solar, to enable 100% renewable-powered fuel supply for transport. These synergies will be the cornerstone of India’s net-zero transportation ecosystem in the coming decades.
9. Given your experience leading Airox Nigen’s strategic partnerships, how are you approaching collaboration with traditional energy companies, OEMs, and infrastructure providers to build the hydrogen mobility ecosystem?
Collaboration is at the heart of our strategy. Airox Nigen actively partners with OEMs to co-develop hydrogen-powered fleets while engaging with traditional oil and gas companies to repurpose infrastructure for hydrogen distribution. We’re also in dialogue with state transport bodies and logistics giants to pilot hydrogen mobility corridors. Through Ahaan Solar, we bridge the gap between green power generation and hydrogen production. By creating a collaborative ecosystem, we ensure that all stakeholders benefit from shared innovation, reduced risk, and faster deployment.
10. What personal insights or lessons learned would you share with young professionals looking to make an impact in the emerging clean energy transition?
The clean energy transition is not just a career path, it’s a mission. Young professionals should approach it with curiosity, agility, and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines. One key lesson I’ve learned is the value of persistence: disruptive change takes time, and resilience is crucial. At Airox Nigen, we encourage a problem-solving mindset, one that welcomes challenges as opportunities to innovate. For those entering the sector, I urge you to stay rooted in purpose but bold in action. This is your time to shape the energy future.