Bhubaneswar: Marking a significant development in eco-friendly transport solutions in Odisha, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday between NTPC Limited, GRIDCO Limited and Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) for implementation of Green Energy Technologies in Odisha.
According to an official press release, this collaborative effort aims to implement innovative green energy technologies in the state with a primary focus on revolutionizing the public transport system.
The MoU, effective for the next five years, outlines the roles and responsibilities of the three parties involved. NTPC will focus on hydrogen production, GRIDCO will ensure renewable energy supply, and CRUT will manage the operations of the hydrogen-powered buses.
The “Scheme Guidelines for implementation of Pilot Projects for use of Green Hydrogen in the Transport Sector”, have been issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The pilot project, with an investment of Rs.19.5 crores by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), will facilitate the transition from fossil fuel-based buses to eco-friendly hydrogen-powered buses.
CRUT, under the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), Govt. of Odisha in association with GRIDCO (Energy Department, Govt. of Odisha) is spearheading the shift to a zero-emission policy. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the quality of bus services in the state.
This initiative aligns with Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022 and NTPC’s diversification strategy into renewable energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage technologies.
Key Features of the Project:
- Hydrogen-Powered Bus Fleet: Three hydrogen fuel cell buses will be deployed by NTPC. These buses are designed to replace traditional diesel buses, providing a sustainable alternative in public transport. The specification for the three fuel cell green buses includes a seating capacity of 42 passengers, a 150 kW drive motor, having 80 kW fuel cell capacity. Each bus has a fuel capacity of 58 kg, offering a mileage of 12 km per kg having a range of 600 km.
- Hydrogen Production Plant: NTPC will establish a hydrogen production plant at the Gadakana depot of CRUT using the existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for green hydrogen generation. This will support the clean energy requirements of the hydrogen buses.
- Renewable Energy Supply: Energy dept. has requested GA &PG dept. to lease 2 acres of land to NTPC Renewable Energy. GRIDCO will provide connectivity for 2 MW to the nearest substation, including the fixed cost and security deposit and facilitate the supply of potable water (12 CUM/day).
This project marks a significant step toward reducing Odisha’s carbon footprint while ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable mode of transportation. By integrating green hydrogen as a fuel source, Odisha is not only pioneering clean public transport but also aligning with Govt. of India’s efforts to address climate change and promote renewable energy.
With the growing global emphasis on environmental conservation and clean energy, this initiative showcases Odisha’s commitment to a green future. The successful implementation of this project will contribute significantly to India’s clean energy transition.
