Milestone Achievement: NTPC Introduces Hydrogen-Powered Buses in Leh, India
Key Ideas
- NTPC Limited presented five hydrogen fuel cell buses to SIDCO in Leh, marking the debut of commercial hydrogen buses in India and at high altitudes globally.
- The buses operate in Leh with the support of India's first hydrogen fueling station, equipped with a 1.7 MW solar power plant for sustainable operations.
- This initiative is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 350 metric tonnes annually and contribute 230 metric tonnes of oxygen to the atmosphere, equivalent to planting 13,000 trees.
- Dr. Pawan Kotwal praised NTPC for pioneering the hydrogen mobility project in Ladakh, encouraging broader adoption of hydrogen solutions to achieve carbon neutrality in the region.
NTPC Limited made a significant stride in promoting sustainable transportation by presenting five hydrogen-powered fuel cell buses to the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) in Leh, India. This introduction signified the first commercial utilization of hydrogen fuel cell buses in the country and globally at such high altitudes. The buses will navigate the challenging terrain of Leh, supported by India's premier hydrogen fueling station launched by NTPC in November 2024. Situated at an elevation of 11,562 feet, the fueling station integrates a dedicated 1.7 MW solar power plant to ensure 100% renewable energy supply for its operations. Noteworthy features include the station's capacity to dispense hydrogen at 350 bar pressure, a pioneering aspect in India, and the buses' capability to operate effectively in sub-zero temperatures and low-oxygen conditions typical of the Himalayan region. The initiative is estimated to cut down carbon emissions by approximately 350 metric tonnes annually and infuse around 230 metric tonnes of oxygen into the atmosphere each year, equivalent to the ecological impact of planting 13,000 trees. The ceremonial handover was graced by key dignitaries such as Bhupesh Chowdhry, KK Hota, and Dr. Pawan Kotwal, who commended NTPC for spearheading the nation's first hydrogen mobility project in the region. Dr. Kotwal emphasized the importance of embracing hydrogen-based solutions to facilitate Ladakh's journey towards carbon neutrality and underscored the significance of documenting project insights for potential replication in the area. NTPC Limited, India's leading integrated power producer, is currently operating 81 GW of installed capacity and is embarking on further development, including 9.6 GW from renewable sources, to reach 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032. The company's commitment extends across various energy domains, encompassing thermal, hydro, solar, and wind energy, to bolster India's transition towards sustainable energy practices.