India is poised to witness a groundbreaking transformation in its clean energy landscape as the nation gears up to launch its inaugural green hydrogen fuelling station within the next three months.
Spearheaded by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), this visionary project aims to produce high-purity hydrogen using renewable energy sources, laying the foundation for emission-free transport in the Ladakh region. With an accelerated timeline and innovative partnerships, India is making remarkable strides toward achieving its clean energy goals and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
1. A Vision of Emission-Free Transport:
India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is on track to commission the country’s first green hydrogen fuelling station, located in Leh, Ladakh. This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a sustainable future, as it aims to leverage renewable energy to produce hydrogen, the fuel of choice for emission-free transport.
2. Ahead of Schedule:
In an impressive breakthrough, NTPC plans to commence operations at the green hydrogen fuelling station in Leh two to three months ahead of the scheduled commissioning in December. Mohit Bhargava, CEO of NTPC Green Energy, shared that the project is projected to be completed by November-December 2023, but efforts are underway to accelerate its delivery.
3. Cutting-Edge Technology for Green Hydrogen Production:
The project will employ cutting-edge electrolysis technology, powered by renewable energy, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, generating green hydrogen. By utilizing the abundant renewable resources available in the region, the production process will be environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral.
4. Pure Hydrogen Production and Storage:
The green hydrogen fuelling station will have the capacity to produce 80 kg per day of 99.97% pure hydrogen. This high-purity hydrogen will be compressed, safely stored, and dispensed to fuel vehicles, enabling them to operate with zero harmful emissions. The project’s storage and dispensing infrastructure will be designed to meet the demands of future hydrogen-powered vehicles in the region.
5. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses:
To demonstrate the viability of green hydrogen as a fuel, NTPC plans to deploy five hydrogen fuel cell buses in the Ladakh region. Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, will provide these buses for the project. This initiative will serve as a showcase for clean energy transport, inspiring further adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles across the country.
6. Collaborative Efforts:
NTPC has partnered with Amara Raja Power Systems, a subsidiary of the Amara Raja Group, to execute this landmark project. With their expertise, the project is being swiftly implemented despite challenging geographic conditions, including an elevation of 3,600 meters above sea level and temperature variations ranging from minus 14 degrees to plus 20 degrees Celsius.
7. Completing the Green Circle:
In addition to the green hydrogen fuelling station, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, is setting up a 1.25 MW solar power plant. This solar installation will provide the renewable energy required to power the entire hydrogen production process, making the fuelling station a truly green and sustainable venture.
India’s first green hydrogen fuelling station, set to be operational in the coming months, heralds a new era in the country’s clean energy transition.
By harnessing the power of renewable resources, NTPC is leading the charge towards emission-free transport in the Ladakh region.
This milestone achievement brings India closer to its ambitious clean energy goals, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. With innovative collaborations and groundbreaking technology, India is poised to make a remarkable impact on the global clean energy landscape.
