NTPC Launches World’s Highest Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Leh

Leh: Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, inaugurated NTPC’s Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Leh today by flagging off a fleet of green hydrogen buses, marking a significant step toward India’s decarbonization and energy security goals. Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Leh Administration, and NTPC attended the ceremony.

Following the flag-off, the Union Minister traveled 12 km in one of the green hydrogen buses, journeying from the hydrogen filling station to Leh airport. Commending NTPC for its innovative adoption of hydrogen technology, Lal stated, “NTPC’s initiatives in hydrogen mobility, blending with PNG, and green methanol production underscore its commitment to renewable energy and the nation’s transition to clean energy sources.”

The Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Leh is notable for being the highest-altitude project of its kind globally, located at 3,650 meters above sea level. The project includes a 1.7 MW in-situ solar power plant, a green hydrogen filling station with an 80 kg/day capacity, and five intra-city hydrogen buses. Each bus can travel up to 300 km on a single 25 kg hydrogen filling, which is stored at 350 bar pressure.

This initiative is projected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, mitigating approximately 350 metric tonnes of CO₂ annually. It will also contribute around 230 metric tonnes of pure oxygen to the atmosphere each year, equivalent to planting approximately 13,000 trees.

The Leh region’s high solar irradiance and low temperatures provide ideal conditions for producing solar power and green hydrogen efficiently. These factors, combined with the ability to avoid reliance on fossil fuel logistics, position Ladakh as a prime location for green hydrogen mobility solutions, promoting energy self-sufficiency.

NTPC is rapidly scaling up its renewable energy initiatives, deploying green hydrogen technologies, and establishing hydrogen hubs across India. Notably, it is also working on a hydrogen hub in Andhra Pradesh as part of its broader commitment to a sustainable and greener future.

The inauguration of the Leh project reinforces India’s position as a leader in adopting green hydrogen solutions, contributing to the global fight against climate change and fostering local energy independence.