NTPC and Indian Army Collaborate for Solar Hydrogen Microgrid in Ladakh
Key Ideas
- NTPC partners with the Indian Army to establish a solar hydrogen-based microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh, ensuring a stable green power supply for off-grid Army locations.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the project remotely, emphasizing the use of hydrogen for round-the-clock power supply throughout the year.
- The project aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and increase self-sufficiency in remote areas by combining battery storage reliability with hydrogen's extended energy storage capacity.
- NTPC's commitment to supporting Indian soldiers in tough terrains includes not only the microgrid project but also testing a hydrogen bus in Leh and planning hydrogen infrastructure for intracity transport.
The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has initiated a groundbreaking collaboration with the Indian Army to establish a solar hydrogen-based microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh. This innovative project, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh via video conference, will utilize green hydrogen as an energy storage medium to provide a consistent power supply of 200 kW round-the-clock, all year long in off-grid Army locations. NTPC will oversee the maintenance of this system for 25 years, focusing on supporting Indian soldiers operating in challenging terrains. The microgrid system not only ensures a stable power supply but also facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources, reduces carbon emissions, and promotes an energy ecosystem that is scalable and adaptable for various applications. By combining the reliability of battery storage with the extensive energy storage capacity of hydrogen, the project eliminates the need for fuel logistics, enhances self-sufficiency, and mitigates disruptions in remote areas with limited road connectivity. In addition to this initiative, NTPC has undertaken a trial of a hydrogen bus in Leh and is working on establishing a hydrogen fuelling station and solar plant, along with deploying five fuel cell buses for intracity transportation in Leh. These efforts underscore NTPC's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting the Indian Army with innovative infrastructure in challenging environments.