Empowering Defense with Green Hydrogen: NTPC and Indian Army's Sustainable Microgrid in Ladakh
Key Ideas
- NTPC and the Indian Army collaborate to establish a Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh, ensuring a stable power supply with Green Hydrogen in off-grid Army locations.
- The innovative microgrid system, utilizing hydrogen as an energy storage medium, will deliver continuous power of 200 kW throughout the year, replacing diesel generators and supporting Indian soldiers in critical areas.
- The project aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and promote a cleaner energy ecosystem by integrating renewable energy sources and ensuring reliable power supply in adverse conditions.
- NTPC's commitment to renewable energy includes a trial run of a hydrogen bus in Leh, establishing a hydrogen fueling station and solar plant, and deploying fuel cell buses for intracity routes, aligning with the company's goal of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.
NTPC and the Indian Army have joined forces to establish a Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh, with the aim of providing a stable power supply using Green Hydrogen in off-grid Army locations. This initiative, inaugurated by Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, will operate independently and utilize hydrogen as an energy storage medium to deliver 200 kW of continuous power throughout the year, replacing existing diesel generators. This system will ensure a sustainable power supply even in extreme winter conditions, where temperatures can drop to -30°C at an altitude of 4,400 meters. NTPC will oversee maintenance for 25 years, supporting Indian soldiers in strategically critical areas.
The Solar-Hydrogen microgrid is designed to enhance operational efficiency by integrating renewable energy sources, providing reliable power in adverse conditions, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering a cleaner energy ecosystem. It combines the reliability of battery storage with the extended energy capabilities of hydrogen, ensuring a consistent power supply. In Ladakh, known for its high solar irradiance and low temperatures, this project will boost the production and use of green energy, reducing dependence on fuel logistics and improving self-sufficiency in remote areas. Once operational, it will be a significant step toward decarbonizing the defense sector in the Himalayan region.
Furthermore, NTPC is actively pursuing decarbonization initiatives, including hydrogen blending, carbon capture, electric buses, and smart NTPC townships, in line with its goal of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. The company recently conducted a trial run of a hydrogen bus in Leh, is establishing a hydrogen fueling station and solar plant, and is deploying fuel cell buses for intracity routes in Leh. Through these efforts, NTPC is positioning itself as a leader in green hydrogen technology and energy storage.
Topics
Asia
Renewable Energy
Innovation
Sustainability
Energy Storage
Decarbonization
Carbon Neutrality
Military
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