Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KPIT Technologies during the Global Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi to advance hydrogen-based mobility initiatives in Kerala. This collaboration, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aims to establish Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) in Kochi and Trivandrum to support pilot mobility projects between the two cities, paving the way for safe and sustainable hydrogen-powered public transport.
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As part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the project will integrate homegrown technologies to strengthen India’s hydrogen ecosystem. BPCL plans to deploy an indigenously developed alkaline electrolyser for hydrogen production, while KPIT Technologies will contribute a fuel cell-powered bus designed in India.
Following the MoU signing, senior government officials witnessed Kerala’s first hydrogen-powered bus, marking a milestone in transitioning to hydrogen as a clean fuel for public transport. The project aims to collect crucial data on fuel cell bus performance in Kerala’s diverse climatic conditions, including high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rainfall. This will enhance the reliability of fuel cell technology and aid future large-scale deployment of hydrogen-powered transportation.
BPCL’s Hydrogen Refuelling Stations will produce high-purity green hydrogen (>99.99%) for the buses, ensuring a sustainable energy source. Additionally, BPCL will gain practical experience in hydrogen dispensing, contributing to a robust hydrogen mobility framework in India.
BPCL’s Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Mr. G. Krishnakumar stated, “Hydrogen-powered mobility is the future of sustainable transportation. Through this partnership, we are taking significant strides towards building a hydrogen ecosystem in India, providing clean, efficient, and locally developed solutions for public transport.”
This initiative will evaluate the operational reliability and durability of indigenous fuel cell stacks, assess the feasibility of fleet operations with passengers, and facilitate the wider adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles across India.
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