Team News Riveting
New Delhi, October 24
NTPC has partnered with the Indian Army to establish a Solar Hydrogen-based Microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh.
This significant step will provide a stable power supply using Green Hydrogen in off-grid Army locations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday laid the foundation stone of this unique project through video conferencing in the presence of Chief of India defence services, CMD, NTPC and other senior officials from Ministry of Defence, Indian Army and NTPC.
NTPC has designed this innovative Solar Hydrogen-based microgrid system to operate independently, using hydrogen as an energy storage medium to supply 200kW of power round-the-clock throughout the year. This system will replace existing diesel gensets at off-grid Army locations, providing a sustainable power supply despite harsh winter conditions, where temperatures drop to -30°C at an altitude of 4,400 meters.
NTPC will maintain the project for 25 years, aiming to support Indian soldiers stationed in these strategically significant tough terrains and challenging climate.
The Solar-Hydrogen microgrid is set to replace existing diesel generators currently in use at off-grid
Army locations. These systems offer numerous advantages, including the integration of renewable
energy sources, a stable power supply under adverse conditions, reduced carbon emissions, and the
promotion of a cleaner and sustainable energy ecosystem as they are highly scalable and suitable for
various applications. Moreover, these systems combine the reliability of battery storage with the
extended energy storage capability of hydrogen, ensuring a consistent power supply.
Given Ladakh’s high solar irradiance and low temperatures, this project will facilitate the production
and utilization of green energy, eliminating reliance on fuel logistics and enhancing self-sufficiency in
remote areas affected by road connectivity disruptions. Once operational, it would usher in a new
era of decarbonisation of the defence sector far off the Himalayas.
NTPC is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032 and becoming a major
player in green hydrogen technology and energy storage domain. The company is pursuing several
initiatives toward decarbonisation, including hydrogen blending, carbon capture, electric buses, and
smart NTPC townships.
