In the near future, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will establish a green hydrogen fuel-producing facility in the Chamba district. It would be the state’s first hydrogen fuel plant.
The decision was reached during a recent meeting between the Chamba district administration and NHPC Ltd, which was presided over by Chamba Deputy Commissioner DC Rana and attended by NHPC’s General Manager (Project), Chamera-II, and Chamera-III SK Sandhu.
DC Rana, the deputy commissioner of Chamba, stated it will be the district’s first hydrogen transportation initiative.
A 250-kilowatt photovoltaic solar plant will generate hydrogen at the facility.
He said that in addition to the hydrogen fuel plant, the NHPC will supply a 33-seater hydrogen fuel cell bus to the district administration on a trial basis.
The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation will run the bus at the district’s major tourist destinations. The hydrogen-fueled bus would have a range of 200 kilometers.
The remaining electrical supply from the solar plant would be delivered to the local grid after the hydrogen is created, he added.
According to Rana, at the meeting, it was also decided to build a hydrogen fuel plant on property currently owned by the NHPC.
The deputy commissioner was also told to form a committee of officers from several departments, chaired by the SDM in charge, to choose a suitable location for the project.
On March 15, he also instructed that the committee be formed to inspect the land available with the NHPC in various sections of the district.
The deputy commissioner also requested that the departments involved satisfying the departmental requirements for launching the initiative.
During the discussion, it was determined that several departmental and NHPC officials will pay a visit to the IOCL Faridabad facility.
In light of climate change, Rana claims that electric and hydrogen-based fuel technology is increasing. Establishing the first such initiative at the state level in the district would be a source of pride.
