Innovative Solar-Hydrogen Microgrid Project at 4400m Altitude in Ladakh
Key Ideas
- NTPC and Indian Army signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement for a 200 kW RE-RTC solar-hydrogen microgrid at Chushul.
- The project aims to replace existing diesel gensets, eliminating fossil fuel logistics and reducing 1500 tons/year CO2 emissions.
- Located at an altitude of 4400m in Ladakh, this innovative off-grid microgrid project will operate in extreme winter conditions of -30 degrees C.
- Once operational, the project will revolutionize decarbonization and modernization efforts in the defense sector in the Himalayan border regions.
NTPC and the Indian Army have collaborated to set up a groundbreaking solar-hydrogen-based microgrid project in Chushul, Ladakh. The Power Purchase Agreement signed for 25 years will facilitate the sale of 200 kW RE-RTC power from this unique off-grid system. The project, led by NTPC-Hydrogen and the Indian Army's Chief Engineer, aims to replace traditional diesel gensets with a sustainable energy solution. By doing so, it will eliminate the need for fossil fuel logistics and reduce CO2 emissions by 1500 tons annually. What makes this initiative exceptional is its location at an altitude of 4400 meters in Ladakh, where temperatures can plummet to -30 degrees Celsius in winter. Once operational, the solar-hydrogen microgrid will not only ensure reliable power supply in harsh conditions but also mark a significant step towards decarbonization and modernization of defense infrastructure in the challenging terrains of the Himalayan border. This project showcases the potential of renewable energy technologies, especially hydrogen, in addressing energy needs in remote and environmentally sensitive areas.