Talk on “Hydrogen Fuel for Automobiles” at Vidnyan Dhara 2025

Mr. Aniket Ashok Naik, Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at DBCE-Fatorda, delivered a lecture titled “Understanding Hydrogen as Future Fuel for Automobiles” at Regina Mundi High School, Chicalim, Goa, on Monday, 10th February 2025. The session was conducted as part of Vidnyan Dhara 2025, a mega science series initiated by the Goa State Higher Education Council (GSHEC) and the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) to foster scientific curiosity among young minds.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Teacher Natercia Rodrigues, the Science Teacher and Coordinator for the event, who facilitated the session and ensured seamless coordination.

Mr. Aniket Naik introduced students to various fuels currently used in automobiles, including petrol, diesel, CNG, and electricity. He explained the fundamental working of an internal combustion engine in a simplified manner. Additionally, he emphasized the need for alternative fuels due to environmental concerns such as pollution, climate change, and the depletion of fossil fuels. The concept of hydrogen as an alternative fuel was then introduced, covering its properties and potential use in powering vehicles.

Students were also presented with information on existing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs) and Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE), with examples such as the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, BMW Hydrogen 7, and Toyota GR Yaris H2. Furthermore, the challenges and future advancements associated with hydrogen adoption, including production costs, storage issues, and the need for refuelling infrastructure, were discussed.

The presentation incorporated real-world examples and visual aids to enhance students’ understanding of the topic. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where students actively participated by asking insightful questions about hydrogen fuel and its feasibility. The lecture sparked curiosity among students about clean energy and sustainable transportation.

The event took place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the school auditorium and was attended by 100 students. The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Teacher Natercia Rodrigues.