SIAM hosts second International Symposium for Thriving Eco-Energy in Mobility (ISTEM) at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the second edition of the International Symposium for Thriving Eco-Energy in Mobility (ISTEM) on February 1, 2024 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Themed "Nature-Based Solutions: Road to Decarbonisation," the symposium aimed to promote alternative fuels as part of SIAM's initiatives for sustainable mobility.

The event witnessed the participation of national and international stakeholders from various sectors, including leading global OEMs, Oil Marketing Companies, Gas distributors, ethanol producers, Hydrogen powertrain players, and technology providers, among others.

The symposium commenced with a special session on ‘Sustainable Solutions: Pathways to Decarbonisation - Exploring Nature-Based Solutions for Mobility in Amrit Kaal’. Vinod Aggarwal, President, SIAM, highlighting the industry's commitment to promoting sustainable mobility said “India has a strong ambition in fighting climate change, and the country is leading the way. Aligned with the Government's decarbonising efforts, SIAM has launched initiatives like ISTEM for decarbonised mobility, and professional stakeholders are interacting on a previously unheard scale. Building on this success, we have intensified our efforts, and I am confident that the automobile industry will collaborate to promote sustainable mobility through knowledge transfer, technical development, and the adoption of alternative fuels.”

Chief Guest H.E. Ambassador Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, emphasised the importance of biofuel technologies. “The launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance was one of the historic achievements of India’s G20 presidency. It will consolidate biofuel technologies for the decarbonisation of economies. Without scaling our bioenergy, the world will not reach its climate goals,” he commented.

During the session, various speakers shared insights into the potential of biofuels, hydrogen, and other alternative fuels in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable mobility. Yukihiro Ezaka, Executive Vice President, Japan Automobile Manufacturer Association (JAMA) shared “In order for zero-emission vehicles to spread in large numbers, it is essential to take comprehensive measures to promote them. The whole world must come together as one in the pursuit of carbon neutrality.”

“We totally consider our responsibility as motorcycle manufacturers, and we see ourselves as part of the solution. We want to leverage every technology to achieve the target of carbon neutrality,” said Eric de Seynes, President, International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association (IMMA).

Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, shared “The path towards a greener future will require all of us, and unless each one of us does its part, we can't achieve the goal. India is an energy-hungry economy with plans to 5 become trillion-dollar economy, which will propel energy requirements. We have to fulfil these requirements, and the energy transition has to be just and equitable. All forms of energy will have a place in the energy bouquet of India, and they will coexist to achieve our goal of net zero by 2070.”  

Later, the symposium focused on the potential of hydrogen as a future fuel and discussed strategies for developing green hydrogen as a key component of clean mobility. Speakers, including Rajendra Petkar, President & CTO, Tata Motors Ltd, and Nitin Seth, CEO, New Mobility, Reliance Industries, discussed the viability of hydrogen as a zero-carbon energy carrier and its role in enhancing energy security.

"India has to become independent in the energy sector. There are hopes with hydrogen, and we have solar energy available that we can harness and convert into Hydrogen. Hydrogen is a zero-carbon energy carrier, clean, with no toxic emissions. It fits well where direct electrification is not feasible, is abundantly available, and can play a substantial role in energy security and export opportunities as well," Petkar said. 

“The transport sector has a role to play in decarbonisation, and multiple types of vehicle technology will contribute, reducing the use of fossil fuels. We have to think about what we can do in terms of hydrogen. It is a very good fuel for the future, especially in the transportation sector. Even at INR 300 per KG cost, Hydrogen will be a viable solution for CV segment w.r.t. traditional fossil fuels”. Additionally, he also mentioned that their hydrogen-based trucks have been running for around 1 lakh KM without any safety issues," Seth commented

The event also delved into the role of ethanol as a key bio-based pathway for sustainability. Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and Patricia Audi, Executive Director, UNICA, highlighted the benefits of ethanol blending in reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy security.

Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, Managing Director, IGL, and Shantanu Gupta, Executive Director, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, discussed the potential of biogas as a cost-effective and sustainable fuel for transportation.

The symposium provided a platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate on promoting sustainable mobility solutions. SIAM's continued efforts in this direction align with its mission of 'Building the Nation Responsibly' and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.