NTPC Launches India’s First Hydrogen Bus Fleet in Leh, Pioneers High-Altitude Green Mobility – EQ
In Short : NTPC has deployed India’s first fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses in Leh, Ladakh, marking the world’s highest-altitude green mobility project. Supported by a 1.7 MW solar plant and hydrogen fueling station, the buses can run 300 km per fill. This initiative aims to cut 350 tonnes of CO₂ annually, showcasing hydrogen’s viability in extreme conditions.
In Detail : NTPC has launched India’s first fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses in Leh, Ladakh, marking a significant milestone in the country’s green mobility journey. The deployment takes place at an altitude of 3,650 meters, making it the world’s highest-altitude hydrogen mobility pilot project.
Five hydrogen buses will now operate commercially in the region, demonstrating the feasibility of clean, zero-emission transport in remote and challenging terrains. The initiative aims to offer sustainable public transportation while addressing environmental concerns in ecologically sensitive areas.
Each bus is powered by green hydrogen, produced on-site using a 1.7 MW solar power plant and an integrated hydrogen production and refueling station with a capacity of 80 kg per day. The buses can travel approximately 300 kilometers on a 25 kg hydrogen fill.
This project is expected to reduce around 350 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Additionally, it will generate nearly 230 tonnes of oxygen as a byproduct, equating to the environmental benefit of planting around 13,000 trees.
NTPC’s initiative showcases the potential of hydrogen-based mobility in high-altitude and extreme climate zones, where traditional fossil fuel vehicles struggle due to thin air and freezing temperatures. The success of this pilot could lead to wider adoption across other remote areas in India.
This project aligns with NTPC’s broader green vision, which includes installing 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032 and expanding hydrogen-powered transportation. It marks a pioneering step toward decarbonizing India’s transport sector and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
