Odisha to Introduce Green Hydrogen Buses as part of National Green Hydrogen Mission
Key Ideas
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has sanctioned five pilot projects for green hydrogen buses in Odisha, with a total of 37 vehicles and nine hydrogen refuelling stations.
- The Automotive Research Association of India will implement the project in Odisha with an investment of Rs 19.5 crore, involving major companies like TATA Motors, Reliance Industries, and NTPC.
- Several routes across India will see the trial of green hydrogen buses, including Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri, Greater Noida-Delhi-Agra, and Pune-Mumbai.
- The Government of India has allocated around Rs 208 crore for the pilot projects, involving partnerships with key players like NTPC, HPCL, and BPCL, with the projects set to be completed within 18-24 months.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Odisha is set to trial green hydrogen buses as part of five pilot projects sanctioned by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The projects will include 37 vehicles, consisting of buses and trucks, along with nine hydrogen refuelling stations, with one of the routes being Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is spearheading the initiative in Odisha with an investment of Rs 19.5 crore. A tripartite MoU has been signed involving NTPC, GRIDCO, and CRUT for the implementation. The green hydrogen buses will also be tested on various routes like Greater Noida-Delhi-Agra, Pune-Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi. Major companies such as TATA Motors, Reliance Industries, and NTPC are part of this initiative, which has an allocated budget of approximately Rs 208 crore. The projects are expected to be operational within the next 18-24 months, with partnerships established with players like HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL. This move towards green hydrogen buses showcases a positive step towards sustainable transportation and renewable energy in India.