India’s first hydrogen-powered mining truck has been deployed in Chhattisgarh, marking a strategic milestone in the country’s decarbonization of heavy logistics. Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the Adani Group, introduced the vehicle over the weekend with state officials hailing the move as a new benchmark in sustainable industrial practices.
The hydrogen fuel cell truck, capable of carrying 40 tonnes of cargo over a 200-kilometre range, was flagged off by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Operating under the state-owned Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited, the truck will transport coal from the Gare Pelma III block to the state’s power generation site—a route critical to the region’s energy supply.
Adani Enterprises was selected as the mine developer and operator for the block through a competitive bidding process. In his remarks, the Chief Minister called the launch “a reflection of the state’s commitment to sustainability,” underscoring Chhattisgarh’s role in both national energy production and green innovation.
The project integrates technologies sourced and manufactured within the Adani Group. Adani Natural Resources (ANR), responsible for mining operations, will procure hydrogen fuel cells from Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL), the conglomerate’s clean energy subsidiary. ANIL is engaged in manufacturing green hydrogen, solar modules, wind turbines, and energy storage systems. This internal supply chain signals a vertical integration strategy aimed at cost control and scalability.
According to the company, the initiative will gradually replace diesel-fueled trucks across Adani’s logistics network, aiming to significantly lower carbon emissions. Hydrogen, as a fuel source, emits only water vapour and warm air, producing none of the particulates or nitrogen oxides associated with combustion engines. Moreover, fuel cell electric vehicles offer comparable performance to diesel trucks in terms of load-bearing capacity and operational range, making them viable for heavy industrial use.
While many of India’s mining operations are dominated by diesel-driven equipment—associated with high noise and GHG emissions—the introduction of fuel cell trucks is expected to reduce environmental and health impacts. The mining sector is one of India’s largest consumers of diesel, accounting for a substantial share of energy use in operations such as haulage and excavation.
The hydrogen truck is part of a wider clean mining roadmap led by ANR. In addition to the hydrogen rollout, the company claims to be the first in Asia to deploy Dozer Push Semi-Autonomous Technology, a move that improves safety and operational efficiency while lowering fuel usage. ANR is also incorporating tree transplanters, solar-powered systems, and digital monitoring tools to minimize environmental disruption and optimize resource management.
Dr. Vinay Prakash, CEO of Adani Natural Resources and director at Adani Enterprises, framed the deployment as a foundational step in the Group’s broader sustainability commitments. “We aim to ensure affordable and reliable electricity for all while pioneering new standards in sustainable mining practices,” he said.
This hydrogen truck rollout adds another dimension to India’s national hydrogen roadmap, which targets 5 million tonnes of annual green hydrogen production by 2030 and aspires to position the country as a global exporter of clean fuel. However, infrastructure and economic viability remain key challenges. The current deployment—though limited in scale—serves as a critical proof of concept for the adoption of hydrogen fuel in high-load applications such as mining and freight.
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