Innovative Solar Hydrogen Microgrid to Power Indian Army in Ladakh
Key Ideas
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid project in Ladakh via video conferencing, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions for off-grid Army locations.
- The innovative microgrid system, designed by NTPC, will provide 200 kW of power year-round using hydrogen as an energy storage medium, replacing diesel generators in remote Army locations at high altitudes and extremely low temperatures.
- The project aims to increase self-sufficiency in regions with fuel logistics challenges by utilizing Ladakh's high solar irradiance for green energy production, complemented by hydrogen energy storage, and is part of NTPC's broader decarbonisation initiatives in the sector.
- NTPC is also conducting a trial run of hydrogen buses in Leh and plans to establish a hydrogen fuelling station, a solar plant, and deploy fuel cell buses for intracity routes, contributing to their target of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.
The Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, inaugurated a groundbreaking project for the establishment of a Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid in Ladakh, jointly undertaken by NTPC and the Indian Army. This initiative aims to provide a stable power supply using green hydrogen in off-grid Army locations, specifically at Chushul in Ladakh. The microgrid system, with a capacity of 200 kW, utilizes hydrogen as an energy storage medium to ensure year-round power availability, replacing traditional diesel generators in remote Army sites located at an altitude of 4,400 meters where temperatures drop to -30°C.
The project is a part of NTPC's commitment to maintaining the system for 25 years, guaranteeing a consistent and sustainable power supply for soldiers stationed in challenging terrains. By combining renewable energy sources with hydrogen energy storage, the microgrid ensures uninterrupted power even in extreme conditions, contributing to the decarbonisation of the defence sector in the Himalayan region. The utilization of Ladakh's favorable conditions, such as high solar irradiance and low temperatures, further enhances the project's potential for green energy production and reduces dependence on fuel logistics, enhancing self-sufficiency for areas prone to connectivity issues.
Apart from the microgrid, NTPC is venturing into other decarbonisation initiatives, including a trial run of hydrogen buses in Leh, the establishment of a hydrogen fuelling station, and the deployment of fuel cell buses for intracity transportation. These efforts align with NTPC's ambitious target of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, highlighting their commitment to sustainable energy practices and innovation in the field of green energy.
Topics
Public Transit
Renewable Energy
Decarbonisation
Energy Storage
Solar Energy
Indian Army
NTPC
Sustainable Power Supply
Himalayas
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