New Delhi: The Indian army is going to demonstrate trials of hydrogen fuel cell bus technology along with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for displaying a firm resolve towards finding green and sustainable transport solutions. This marks another step by the Indian Army towards its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Indian Army and the IOCL in presence of General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil.
A hydrogen fuel cell bus was received by the Indian Army during the event. It indicates the commencement of mutually beneficial partnership between Indian Army and IOCL. The MoU emphasized the commitment to fostering innovation and advancing sustainable transport solutions for the future. This bus has a seating capacity of 37 passengers and a mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg onboard tank of Hydrogen fuel.
This hydrogen fuel cell technology brings clean and efficient alternatives by converting hydrogen gas into electricity through an electro-chemical process. The process leaves water vapour as the only by-product, thus ensuring zero emission.
Notably, on March 21, 2023, the Indian Army became the first government entity to ink an MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited for installation of Green Hydrogen-based Microgrid Power Plants along the Northern Borders. A pilot project is being setup at Chushul, where a 200 KW Green Hydrogen-based Microgram will provide 24×7 clean electricity to troops deployed in inhospitable terrain and extreme climatic conditions.
