Turning Water into Fuel Innovators Turn Water into Hydrogen Fuel
In a remarkable leap toward a greener future, a Tamil Nadu-based company, HONC Gas Pvt. Ltd., has unveiled a groundbreaking technology that can convert purified water directly into hydrogen gas. The innovation promises a cleaner, faster, and cost-efficient alternative to conventional fuels, potentially transforming both domestic and industrial energy use.
A Revolutionary Approach to Fuel
The company recently demonstrated its technology at its Avinashi facility in Tiruppur, showcasing a range of devices, from kitchen-top gas stoves to industrial burners, powered entirely by its hydrogen fuel. Bealur Ramalingam Kaarthic, founder of HONC Gas, explained that the technology—called the Gyroid Electrolyte Membrane (GEM)—breaks water into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) through a multi-stage electrolysis and gas-blending process. The hydrogen is then immediately ready for use as fuel, eliminating the need for compression, long-distance transport, or storage.
“What makes HONC Gas special is that it operates solely on purified water, producing hydrogen fuel on demand without any carbon emissions,” Kaarthic said. The acronym itself reflects this ethos: Hydrogen–Oxygen, No Carbon.
Efficiency and Cost Benefits
HONC Gas not only offers an environmentally friendly alternative, but it also brings impressive efficiency and savings. According to Kaarthic, boiling one litre of water using traditional LPG takes 5.36 minutes at ₹0.63, while the HONC Gas system completes the same task in just 1.32 minutes at a fraction of the cost—₹0.14. The generators are powered by DC current or solar energy, consume minimal water, and are designed to recycle energy, making them a practical and sustainable solution.
Industrial Potential and Future Steps
While the core GEM technology is complete, Kaarthic noted that additional equipment and components are still under development to enable full-scale industrial use. The technology could revolutionize industries that currently rely heavily on fossil fuels, provided that all equipment is made compatible with the hydrogen-based system.
Actor-politician R. Sarath Kumar, who serves as the executive director of HONC Gas, highlighted that the patenting process has been completed, and the company has submitted the technology to both State and Central government authorities. Once approvals are in place, HONC Gas will enter the commercial market, paving the way for cleaner and more cost-effective energy across households and industries.
A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
This breakthrough reflects the growing innovation landscape in India, where homegrown technologies are addressing critical environmental challenges. With its potential to reduce carbon emissions while providing efficient energy, HONC Gas may soon redefine the way we think about fuel.
Disclaimer: The technology has been demonstrated and patented by HONC Gas Pvt. Ltd., but scientific validation and government approvals are still pending. The commercial availability and pricing of the system will be finalized upon regulatory clearance.
