Lok Sabha Question No. 3032 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shri Mukesh Rajput

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

## DEPARTMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3032 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025)

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs)

† 3032.  SHRI MUKESH RAJPUT:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  develop  Unmanned  Aerial Vehicles  (UAVs)  or  Drones  by  Council  of  Scientific  and  Industrial Research (CSIR);
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  taken  steps  to  encourage  research, development  and  deployment  of  technologies  enabling  efficient electrolysis processes for hydrogen production;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the CSIR's contribution in the National Green Hydrogen Mission; and
- (f) the details of funds allocated by the Government for the same during the last three years and the current year?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES

(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has already  developed  multi-copter  drones  for  agriculture-related applications, last mile medicine delivery and explorations studies.

geo-physical

CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), a constituent laboratory of CSIR has developed a medium-class BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) multi-copter UAV. The UAV is made out of a lightweight carbon fiber foldable structure for ease of transportation and has unique features like autonomous guidance through dual redundant MEMS-based digital Autopilot with advanced flight instrumentation systems. CSIR-NAL's octocopter  can  carry  a  payload  up  to  20  kg  with  a  hovering endurance of 40 minutes. It can fly at an operational altitude of 500 m AGL and a maximum flying speed of 36 kmph. Its regulatory compliance  includes  DGCA-NPNT,  Geo-fencing,  and  digital  sky with 360 degrees Collison avoidance making it one of the best UAVs in its class. The technology has been transferred to many MSMEs.

- (c)&(d)  Yes,  Sir.  Council  of  Scientific  &  Industrial  Research  (CSIR) initiated the Hydrogen Technology (H2T) Program in April 2022, focusing on the development of indigenous hydrogen production technologies, particularly three types of electrolyzers:
1. Solid  Oxide  Electrolyzer  Cells  (SOEC):  These  operate  at  high temperatures, offering enhanced efficiency in hydrogen production.
2. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzers: These devices utilize a solid polymer electrolyte to produce hydrogen efficiently.  Notably,  CSIR's  Central  Electrochemical  Research Institute  (CECRI)  has  developed  and  commercialized  a  PEMbased hydrogen generator with a capacity of 5 Nm³/h.
3. Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Electrolyzers: These systems employ  non-noble  metal  catalysts,  presenting  cost-effective solutions for hydrogen production.

In addition to electrolyzer development, CSIR is advancing hydrogen storage solutions, including high-pressure Type IV cylinders  and  both  solid-state  (metal  hydride)  and  liquid-state (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers - LOHC) storage methods. The CSIR H2T Program is also focusing on high-performance fuel cells for  mobility  applications.  Collaborations  with  industry  partners, such  as  KPIT,  have  led  to  the  development  of  prototypes  like hydrogen-powered cars, buses, and catamarans. The first phase of the  H2T  Program  would  conclude  by  March  31,  2025  and  the process to develop the second phase of H2T Program has already been initiated.

- (e)    Aligned  with  the  National  Green  Hydrogen  Mission,  the  CSIR Hydrogen Technology (H2T) Program focuses on R&D and demonstration projects across three key areas:

1. Production: Development of various electrolyzer technologies; 2. Storage: Advancements in hydrogen storage technologies; and 3. Utilization: Development of high-performance fuel cells for mobility applications.

- (f) The  details  of  funds  allocated  by  CSIR  for  Hydrogen  Technology (H2T) Program during the last three years and the current year is as under:

| Financial Year   |   Amount (Rs. in lakh) |
|------------------|------------------------|
| 2022-2023        |                4613.65 |
| 2023-2024        |                2169.73 |
| 2024-2025        |                 669.42 |
| Total            |                7452.8  |

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