Odisha to Begin Testing Green Hydrogen-Powered Buses Under National Green Hydrogen Mission

Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards promoting sustainable energy, Odisha is set to begin testing green hydrogen-powered buses as part of India’s ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has approved five pilot projects across the country, including a dedicated trial route in Odisha from Bhubaneswar to Konark and Puri.

The pilot projects will see the deployment of 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles, comprising both buses and trucks, alongside the installation of 9 hydrogen refueling stations across India. The trials are part of the government’s effort to evaluate hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel for the transportation sector and its role in reducing carbon emissions. Other cities involved in the trials include Greater Noida, Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, Mumbai, and Jamshedpur, among others.

These projects are being led by several major companies, including TATA Motors, Reliance Industries, NTPC, Ashok Leyland, and prominent oil companies like HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL. Together, they will test the viability of hydrogen-powered transportation while establishing the necessary infrastructure to support the transition.

The Indian government has allocated Rs. 208 crore in financial support for these pilot projects, which will span 18 to 24 months. The trials will assess the performance, safety, and economic feasibility of hydrogen vehicles, alongside the development of refueling stations essential for widespread adoption.

The trials aim to provide valuable insights into the potential of hydrogen fuel in reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and achieving its climate goals. As part of the initiative, the government is also focused on building infrastructure to enable seamless operation of hydrogen-powered vehicles across the nation.