Leh, India: In a landmark step towards sustainable mobility, Union Minister Manohar Lal today launched NTPC’s Green Hydrogen buses at Leh, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for clean energy solutions. The event, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Leh Administration, and NTPC, saw the unveiling of a pioneering Green Hydrogen Mobility Project, which includes a 1.7 MW in-situ solar plant, an 80 kg/day hydrogen filling station, and a fleet of five hydrogen-powered buses.
Following the flag-off ceremony, Minister Manohar took a 12 km journey on one of the new buses, traveling from the hydrogen filling station to Leh airport, showcasing the practicality and efficiency of the new technology in the region’s unique terrain.
The Green Hydrogen Mobility Project, the highest-altitude such initiative in the world at 3650 meters above sea level, is designed to thrive in Leh’s extreme conditions, including low air density and sub-zero temperatures. Each bus can cover up to 300 km on a single hydrogen refill of 25 kg, with the hydrogen station able to operate at 350 bar pressure.
In his address, Manohar Lal praised NTPC’s efforts in advancing the nation’s energy security and decarbonization goals, highlighting the role of hydrogen technology in sectors like mobility, blending with PNG, and green methanol production, as well as the broader emphasis on renewable energy.
The Leh project also promises significant environmental benefits, offsetting approximately 350 metric tons of carbon emissions per year and producing 230 metric tons of pure oxygen annually, equivalent to planting about 13,000 trees.
With the region’s high solar irradiance and low temperatures, Ladakh is an ideal location for efficient green hydrogen production. This initiative aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, supporting energy self-sufficiency in remote areas.
NTPC’s vision for green hydrogen extends beyond Leh, with plans to expand hydrogen mobility projects across India, complementing its growing renewable energy portfolio and the development of a hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh. The company’s commitment to innovation in clean energy continues to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
