Mumbai: The state government is planning to purchase devices that will use Spanish technology to run tractors on hydrogen (H2), which is eco-friendly and is expected to reduce air pollution.

The environment department signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ahmedabad-based company to receive the technology. The company has a joint venture with Canary Island Foundation (CIF), Spain, for the supply of H2 hybrid device for tractors.

Ramdas Kadam, minister for environment, said that the company has claimed that such an experiment has been successful abroad. "They have promised to demonstrate how the tractor can be run on hydrogen. The demonstration is likely to happen next week at Girgaum Chowpatty," said Mr Kadam.

Officials from the environment department said that the proposal is still at its initial stage. According to them, the company's hybrid device can be installed in any tractor available in the market. However, the company will be responsible for safety testing of the system and for the obtaining of permissions from authorities concerned of the state.

The state government will facilitate the setting up of infrastructure required for the manufacturing unit, laboratory, etc.