In a first, NTPC begins trial run of hydrogen buses in Leh

With the aim of achieving a carbon neutral Ladakh, India's state-run power giant, NTPC on Friday (August 18) announced it has started trial run of hydrogen buses in Leh.

As part of the plan, NTPC is setting up hydrogen fueling station, solar plant and providing five fuel cell buses for operation on intracity routes of Leh.

"This will be the India's first ever deployment of hydrogen buses on public roads," NTPC said in an official statement.

In a first-of-its-kind project, NTPC's Green Hydrogen Mobility Project at 11,562 ft. will be co-located with 1.7 MW of dedicated solar power for providing renewable power.

The fuel cell buses are designed for operation in sub-zero temperature in rarefied atmosphere, typical to such altitude locations which is a unique feature of this project, NTPC stated.

The first hydrogen bus reached Leh by mid-August (August 17) as part of three-month long process of field-trials, roadworthiness tests, and other statutory procedures.