NTPC Hands Over 5 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses to Leh Administration
NTPC has handed over five hydrogen fuel cell buses to Leh’s Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO), marking India’s first commercial deployment of hydrogen buses at the world’s highest altitude.
June 20, 2025. By Mrinmoy Dey
This initiative marks India’s first commercial deployment of hydrogen fuel buses and sets a global benchmark for green mobility by operating at the highest altitude in the world, said the company in a statement.
Last November, NTPC launched the world’s first hydrogen fueling station and first-of-its-kind Green Hydrogen Mobility Station in Leh. The station at an altitude of 11,562 ft is co-located with a dedicated solar plant of 1.7 MW for providing renewable power for its entire operational requirements.
The hydrogen fuel is dispensed at 350 bar (India’s first high-pressure hydrogen dispensation system), in five fuel cell buses, designed for operation in sub-zero temperatures in rarefied atmosphere, typical to such altitude locations. The hydrogen mobility project shall mitigate the carbon emissions of approximately 350 MT/year and contribute 230 MT/year of pure oxygen into the atmosphere equivalent to 13,000 tree plantations.
The buses were handed over in the presence of Bhupesh Chowdhry, IAS, MD, SIDCO and Secretary Transport, K.K. Hota, GM and CEO, NUGEL and other senior officials from NTPC and Leh Administration.
The Chief Secretary, UT of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal appreciated the innovative technology and efforts of NTPC and requested to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen applications for achieving carbon-neutral Ladakh. He also advised documenting the precious learnings and findings from the project for insights into the execution of similar projects in Ladakh.
NTPC is contributing one-fourth of India’s power requirements and has an installed capacity of over 81 GW, with an additional capacity of 29.5 GW under construction, including 9.6 GW of renewable energy capacity.
The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
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