The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has initiated the bidding process for a pilot project aimed at establishing a green hydrogen-based mobility station in Kargil, Ladakh.
The project’s objective is to operate two hydrogen fuel cell-based buses within the local area, promoting sustainable and zero-emission transportation.
The selected contractor will be responsible for developing a 500 kW grid-connected ground-mounted solar power project to provide the necessary electricity to the hydrogen station. This integration of renewable energy sources aligns with the goal of achieving a clean and sustainable hydrogen production process.
The project requires the installation of two units of electrolyzer technology, with each unit having a capacity of 30 Nm3/hour. The targeted daily hydrogen production is set at 40 kg, with a minimum purity level of 99.97%. The commissioning of the project is expected to be completed within one year from the issuance of the work order. Additionally, the chosen developer will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project for a duration of three years.
Interested bidders must submit their proposals by July 19, 2023, with the bid opening scheduled for July 24. As part of the bidding process, applicants are required to submit an earnest money deposit of ₹4 million (~$48,817) and provide a performance bank guarantee of 5% of the project cost.
Eligible bidders should be original equipment manufacturers specializing in water electrolyzers or electrolyzer stacks, with a minimum hydrogen production capacity of 2 kg per hour. Alternatively, collaboration between bidders and original equipment manufacturers meeting the minimum capacity requirement is also acceptable.
Bidders are expected to have prior experience in supplying, erecting, and commissioning hydrogen production systems with a similar capacity. They should have completed at least three comparable projects valued at ₹100 million ($1.2 million) each, or two projects valued at ₹125 million ($1.5 million) each, or a single project valued at ₹200 million ($2.4 million) within the past seven years. Additionally, they should demonstrate a minimum average annual turnover of ₹75.3 million ($919,008) over the last three years and a positive net worth in three of the last five years. A working capital of ₹180 million (~$2.2 million) is also required to fulfill the project’s financial obligations.
Furthermore, the solar modules used in the project must be listed in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, with a minimum wattage of 320 Wp. These modules should be warranted for ten years, with an expected output capacity of at least 90% at the end of 10 years and 80% at the end of 25 years.
The launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission earlier this year, with an initial budget of ₹197.4 billion (~$2.3 billion), further highlights the Indian government’s commitment to promoting the demand, production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen. This pilot project in Ladakh represents a significant step toward realizing the goals of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
