Leh: In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable transportation, state-run energy giant NTPC Ltd has handed over five hydrogen fuel cell buses to Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO), an enterprise of the Ladakh administration, for commercial deployment in the Union Territory.
This initiative marks India’s first commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered buses, setting a global benchmark by launching these eco-friendly vehicles at the highest altitude in the world.
Green Mobility Milestone in the Himalayas
The buses were officially delivered on Wednesday, as part of a broader project to integrate green hydrogen-based mobility into mainstream public transport. The deployment takes place in Leh, situated at an altitude of 11,562 feet, making it the world’s highest hydrogen-powered public transport operation.
World’s First High-Altitude Hydrogen Fuel Station
This achievement builds on NTPC’s earlier success in November 2023, when it launched the world’s first hydrogen fueling station at this altitude. The station is co-located with a 1.7 MW solar plant, enabling it to be entirely powered by renewable energy. This model ensures a zero-emission lifecycle, from hydrogen production to vehicle operation.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Goals
The green hydrogen mobility project in Leh is expected to significantly contribute to environmental conservation efforts by-
- Reducing carbon emissions by approximately 350 metric tonnes per year
- Contributing 230 metric tonnes per year of pure oxygen, an effect equivalent to planting 13,000 trees
This aligns with India’s broader mission to transition towards cleaner energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint in line with global climate commitments.
NTPC’s Renewable Energy Push
NTPC, India’s largest integrated power producer, has an installed capacity of over 81 GW, and an additional 29.5 GW under construction, including 9.6 GW of renewable energy. The company has committed to scaling up its green energy portfolio and aims to achieve 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032.
Quotes & Vision
While no official quotes were shared in the statement, the development strongly reflects the central government’s vision for hydrogen as the fuel of the future, with Ladakh serving as a testbed for innovative clean energy technologies.
NTPC
NTPC Limited, a central Public Sector Undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Power, Government of India, is India’s largest energy conglomerate. Headquartered in New Delhi, the company is at the forefront of power generation and energy transformation in the country, operating a mix of coal, gas, solar, wind, and hydro power stations.
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