India Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Buses in Ladakh for Sustainable Mobility
Key Ideas
- Five hydrogen fuel cell buses have been handed over to Ladakh by NTPC, marking India's first commercial deployment of such buses for clean mobility.
- The buses will operate in Leh, featuring a hydrogen fuelling station co-located with a solar plant, expected to reduce carbon emissions by 350 metric tonnes annually.
- NTPC's initiative aims to serve as a template for future hydrogen fuel mobility deployments in ecologically sensitive areas, with Ladakh aspiring to become carbon-neutral.
- The project in Leh aligns with India's push for green hydrogen initiatives, with NTPC committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032.
In a significant development, India has introduced five hydrogen fuel cell buses in Leh, Ladakh, as part of a joint initiative between NTPC and the Ladakh administration. These buses, powered by hydrogen, will operate in the high-altitude region of Leh, known for its challenging terrain and environmental conditions. The handover ceremony took place at the NTPC Green Hydrogen Mobility Station in Palam, Leh, with key officials in attendance. The buses are designed to run on hydrogen fuel dispensed at 350 bar pressure and are equipped to operate in sub-zero conditions.
This project is not only a milestone for sustainable public transport in India but also globally significant, given Leh's status as home to the world's highest motorable roads. The hydrogen fuelling station is situated alongside a 1.7 MW solar plant, emphasizing the focus on clean energy technologies. The anticipated environmental impact is substantial, with the project estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 350 metric tonnes annually and generate 230 metric tonnes of oxygen, equivalent to the benefit of planting 13,000 trees.
NTPC's venture into hydrogen fuel mobility in Ladakh is part of its larger commitment to renewable energy goals, with a plan to reach 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032. The project is not only a step towards reducing carbon emissions but also sets a precedent for similar initiatives in other environmentally sensitive areas across the country. The deployment of these buses in Leh serves as a live case study for future hydrogen fuel mobility projects and aligns with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission. As Ladakh embarks on its journey to become carbon-neutral, the introduction of hydrogen-powered buses signifies a positive shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transport solutions.
Topics
Public Transit
Renewable Energy
Clean Energy
Carbon Emissions
Green Technology
Solar Power
Sustainable Transport
High-altitude Regions
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