India's First Commercial Hydrogen Fuel Buses at the Highest Altitude
Key Ideas
- NTPC has supplied five hydrogen fuel cell buses to SIDCO in Leh, marking India's first commercial deployment of hydrogen buses at the world's highest altitude.
- The hydrogen fueling station in Leh, set up by NTPC, operates at an altitude of 11,562 ft and is coupled with a 1.7 MW solar plant to provide renewable power.
- The project aims to reduce approximately 350 MT/year of carbon emissions and contribute 230 MT/year of oxygen to the atmosphere, equivalent to planting 13,000 trees annually.
- Ladakh's Chief Secretary praised the initiative, urging the acceleration of hydrogen adoption for a carbon-neutral Ladakh and the documentation of learnings for future projects.
NTPC, India's state-owned power utility, has handed over five hydrogen fuel cell buses to Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) in Leh, marking a significant milestone as India's first commercial deployment of hydrogen buses at the world's highest altitude. Last November, NTPC inaugurated a hydrogen fueling station and Green Hydrogen Mobility Station in Leh, which operates at 11,562 ft above sea level and is supported by a 1.7 MW solar plant for renewable energy supply. The hydrogen dispensation system operates at 350 bar, designed for sub-zero temperatures and rarefied atmosphere typical of high-altitude locations. This initiative is expected to mitigate around 350 MT/year of carbon emissions and add 230 MT/year of pure oxygen to the atmosphere, which is equivalent to planting 13,000 trees annually. The buses were delivered in the presence of key officials from NTPC, SIDCO, and Leh Administration, receiving appreciation for their technological innovation. The Chief Secretary of Ladakh lauded the project, emphasizing the need to hasten hydrogen adoption for a carbon-neutral Ladakh and to document insights for future projects. NTPC, with a significant role in India's power sector, aims to achieve 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, showcasing its commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity.
Topics
Public Transit
Renewable Energy
Carbon Emissions
Sustainable Development
Public Transportation
Green Mobility
Altitude Operations
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