In a groundbreaking move towards decarbonization and sustainable transportation, NTPC Limited—India’s largest integrated power utility—handed over five hydrogen fuel cell buses to Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO), a public entity under the Leh Administration.
This milestone marks India’s first commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered buses and establishes a global benchmark by operating them at the world’s highest altitude—11,562 feet above sea level—in the cold desert terrain of Leh.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Bhupesh Chowdhry, IAS, MD (SIDCO) & Secretary Transport, Shri K.K. Hota, GM & CEO (NUGEL), and senior officials from NTPC and the Leh Administration. Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, extended his congratulations to NTPC for pioneering the nation’s first hydrogen mobility initiative in this remote and ecologically sensitive region.
World’s First High-Altitude Hydrogen Mobility Ecosystem
Last November, NTPC had commissioned the world’s first high-altitude Green Hydrogen Mobility Station in Leh, powered by a 1.7 MW dedicated solar plant, making the entire setup self-sufficient with renewable energy. The station features India’s first 350 bar high-pressure hydrogen dispensation system, supporting the operation of these state-of-the-art fuel cell buses, specially engineered to perform in sub-zero temperatures and rarefied atmospheres.
Environmental Impact and Carbon Mitigation
The hydrogen-powered buses are expected to offset around 350 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually and contribute 230 metric tonnes of pure oxygen, an environmental impact equivalent to planting 13,000 trees. The initiative is a major step in achieving the vision of a Carbon Neutral Ladakh.
Chief Secretary Emphasizes Knowledge Sharing
Commending NTPC’s leadership in clean mobility, Dr. Kotwal urged the documentation of critical learnings from the Leh hydrogen project. He emphasized that these insights would be crucial for replicating and scaling similar green energy initiatives across Ladakh.
NTPC’s Green Commitment
With an installed capacity exceeding 81 GW and an additional 29.5 GW under construction (including 9.6 GW of renewables), NTPC is aggressively pushing the envelope in clean energy. The company aims to achieve 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, reinforcing its commitment to a low-carbon, sustainable energy future for India.
This hydrogen mobility deployment in Leh is more than just a technological marvel—it is a bold statement of India’s readiness to lead the world in innovative, climate-resilient transport solutions.
