Shri Manohar Lal Flags Off Green Hydrogen Buses in Leh

Key Highlights:

• Union Minister Manohar Lal flagged off NTPC's green hydrogen buses in Leh.
• The minister traveled 12 km in a hydrogen bus from the filling station to Leh airport.
• The Green Hydrogen Mobility Project by NTPC features a 1.7 MW solar plant and a hydrogen station with a daily capacity of 80 kg.
• The project features five buses, each covering 300 km per 25 kg hydrogen fill, operating in extreme conditions at 3650m altitude.
• NTPC aims to develop more green hydrogen projects nationwide, including establishing a hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh.

Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, flagged off NTPC's fleet of green hydrogen buses in Leh. Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Leh Administration, and NTPC attended the event.

Advantages of Hydrogen Bus

The Union Minister traveled 12 kilometres in a hydrogen bus, from the hydrogen filling station to Leh airport. Hydrogen buses are eco-friendly, as they produce zero emissions. 

They run smoothly, reducing noise pollution. With a single filling, they can travel long distances, making them efficient. They help reduce dependency on fossil fuels and support clean energy goals. Hydrogen buses are ideal for challenging terrains and extreme weather conditions.

Acknowledgement of NTPC’s Contribution

The minister commended NTPC for its contributions to energy security and decarbonization. He highlighted NTPC’s work in hydrogen mobility, blending hydrogen with PNG, green methanol production, and renewable energy.

Highlights of the Green Hydrogen Mobility Project

• Solar Plant: The project includes a 1.7 MW solar power plant.
• Hydrogen Filling Station: The station has a capacity of 80 kg/day.
• Buses: Five intra-city hydrogen buses, each capable of covering 300 km per filling of 25 kg hydrogen.
• Altitude Capability: It operates at 3,650 meters above sea level, designed for low-density air and sub-zero temperatures.

Environmental Benefits

This project can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 350 MT/year and contribute 230 MT/year of oxygen to the atmosphere, equivalent to planting about 13,000 trees.

Green Hydrogen in Ladakh

Ladakh’s strong solar potential and cold climate make it ideal for efficient green hydrogen production. Utilizing this fuel eliminates reliance on fossil fuel logistics, making the region self-sufficient in energy. NTPC is expanding hydrogen mobility projects across India.

NTPC Leading Efforts Towards Net Zero by 2070

NTPC Limited, India’s largest power utility under the Ministry of Power, is working towards the Prime Minister’s vision of achieving the Net Zero target by 2070.

The company is setting up more hydrogen mobility projects across the country. It also deploys various green hydrogen technologies and rapidly increases its renewable energy capacity. NTPC is working on establishing a hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh as part of its efforts to promote clean energy solutions.

Also Read: India Showcases Hydrogen-Fuelled Bus to Bhutan's Prime Minister

CMV360 Says

This project is a big step toward clean energy, especially in tough places like Leh. Its success can encourage more green hydrogen projects nationwide, helping India become more energy-independent and innovative.