NTPC to Power Indian Army with Green Hydrogen

NTPC has collaborated with the Indian Army to construct a solar hydrogen-powered microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh.

This initiative will give off-grid Army locations a reliable green hydrogen power source.

NTPC developed the advanced solar hydrogen microgrid system that uses hydrogen for energy storage, providing 200kW of continuous power year-round.

At off-grid Army installations, this system will replace current diesel gensets, offering a reliable power source even in the face of severe winter weather, where temperatures can drop as low as -30°C at 4,400 meters.

With the goal of assisting Indian soldiers stationed in these strategically important difficult terrains and harsh climates, NTPC will oversee the project for 25 years.

Furthermore, these systems guarantee a steady power supply by fusing the long-term energy storage capacity of hydrogen with the dependability of battery storage.

Due to Ladakh’s low temperatures and high solar irradiance, this project will make it easier to produce and use green energy, removing the need for fuel logistics and improving self-sufficiency in isolated locations where road connectivity is disrupted. When it is operational, it will mark the beginning of a new phase in the decarbonization of the defense industry outside of the Himalayas.

In order to meet its goals for renewable energy and carbon neutrality in Ladakh, NTPC also recently began testing a hydrogen bus in Leh. In addition, the company is constructing a solar plant and hydrogen fueling station, as well as five fuel cell buses that will run on Leh’s intracity routes.

By 2032, NTPC aims to reach 60GW of renewable energy capacity and establish itself as a leading force in the fields of energy storage and green hydrogen technology. The company is working on a number of decarbonization projects, such as smart NTPC townships, electric buses, carbon capture, and hydrogen blending.