India at Forefront of Supporting Hydrogen Ecosystem, Says Cummins VP Jane Beaman

Global power technology provider Cummins on Saturday launched their next generation HELM (Higher Efficiency, Lower Emissions, Multiple Fuels) engine platforms along with an advanced Hydrogen Fuel Delivery System (FDS) for heavy duty vehicles at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

With the company’s focus on prioritizing efficiency and sustainability, Jane Beaman, Vice President – Global On-highway and Pickup Business talks to Outlook Business on India’s position in terms of being a leader for the development of a hydrogen ecosystem, at a time when the government is committed towards initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Q1)  How do you see India as an ecosystem towards expanding hydrogen products?

India is on the forefront in terms of production of hydrogen, government investment and support, as well as development of hydrogen based products. The very first development of hydrogen based product for Cummins is also happening right here in our 6.7 liter H2S engine.

Q2) Infrastructure is often a challenge for new technologies in India. How do you see the infrastructure being developed for the hydrogen ecosystem in India?

It is not just in India but is actually a common thing across the globe. The biggest challenge that all the countries face is infrastructure, costs and regulations. So India is not unique in that regard. It will take a while for these things to develop as it will for any new transformation or transition. And this also requires partnership. So, I think India is actually leading in terms of interest in hydrogen and government support of hydrogen. Now in terms of the infrastructure to roll out and the ecosystems to develop, that will take some time. India is leading from a production perspective with the Green Hydrogen mission but there's still work to do to come up with storage, rest of the supply chain and all other elements to support that production.

Q3) For Cummins as we look for the next 5 years, does India feature on the top of the list in terms of developing new technologies like hydrogen?

Absolutely. When you look at all of the activity that's happening in India in terms of the new ports, the development of expressways, construction, it's really a sweet spot for companies. We have products that support construction on highway, railways, etc. So, we are investing in India and it's a top priority for us. We have always been committed and have been in India for 60 years so we do plan to continue to be in India and make investments as it's a very important step.