NTPC has initiated a Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Leh to promote cleaner transport and reduce carbon emissions.
The project was unveiled by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal and includes a hydrogen fueling station, a solar power plant, and a fleet of five hydrogen-powered buses. These buses are specially designed to operate in harsh conditions, capable of running 300 kilometers on a single hydrogen refill, and are built to withstand sub-zero temperatures and low-density air at an altitude of 11,562 feet.
The hydrogen fueling station can produce 80 kilograms of hydrogen per day, using energy from a 1.7 MW solar plant. Together, these systems have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 350 metric tons annually, equating to the environmental benefit of planting approximately 13,000 trees. During the launch event, Minister Manohar Lal traveled 12 kilometers on one of the hydrogen buses, demonstrating the vehicle’s practicality. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and in promoting renewable energy sources, particularly in remote areas such as Ladakh.
