NTPC to Launch India’s First Green Hydrogen Fuelling Station in Ladakh Ahead of Schedule

NTPC, the state-run power giant, is set to commence operations of India’s first green hydrogen fuelling station in Ladakh within the next 2-3 months, surpassing its scheduled commissioning in December. According to Mohit Bhargava, CEO of NTPC Green Energy, the project’s completion is expected by November-December 2023, but the company aims to achieve it ahead of time.

This pioneering project will generate 80 Kg per day of 99.97% pure hydrogen, which will be compressed, stored, and dispensed. NTPC plans to deploy five hydrogen fuel cell buses in the region, which will be supplied by Ashok Leyland. The project, located at an elevation of 3,600 meters above sea level in Leh, the Union Territory of Ladakh, marks India’s first green hydrogen fuelling station.

NTPC had awarded the contract for the project to Amara Raja Power Systems, a subsidiary of the Amara Raja Group, in June 2022. The project utilizes electrolysis powered by renewable energy to produce green hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Despite challenging conditions with temperatures ranging from minus 14 degrees to plus 20 degrees Celsius, the project is progressing at this high-altitude site.

This groundbreaking initiative not only showcases India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions but also highlights NTPC’s proactive efforts in spearheading the adoption of green hydrogen technology. The launch of this fuelling station will pave the way for further advancements in the field and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.