AsiaElec: NTPC, Indian Army to establish solar hydrogen-based microgrid in Ladakh

Indian state-owned power company NTPC has partnered with the Indian Army to establish a solar hydrogen-based microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh, the government of India announced on October 25.

The project aims to provide stable, green hydrogen-powered electricity to off-grid army locations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for this unique project via video conferencing, joined by the Chief of Defence Staff, NTPC’s CMD and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Army and NTPC.

Designed by NTPC, the microgrid will operate independently, using hydrogen as an energy storage medium to supply 200 kW of power consistently year-round. This system will replace existing diesel generators at remote army locations, ensuring a sustainable power source even during the harsh winters, where temperatures plummet to -30°C at an altitude of 4,400 metres. NTPC will maintain the project for 25 years, supporting soldiers stationed in these challenging terrains and extreme climates.

The microgrid offers numerous benefits, including renewable energy integration, stable power under adverse conditions, reduced carbon emissions and the promotion of a cleaner, sustainable energy ecosystem. Highly scalable, these systems are suitable for various applications and combine battery reliability with the extended storage capacity of hydrogen, ensuring uninterrupted power.

Ladakh’s high solar irradiance and low temperatures make it an ideal location for producing and utilising green energy, reducing reliance on fuel logistics and enhancing self-sufficiency in remote areas affected by connectivity disruptions. Once operational, the project will represent a significant step in decarbonising defence operations in the remote Himalayas.

Additionally, NTPC recently began a trial run of a hydrogen bus in Leh, advancing its renewable energy targets and Ladakh’s carbon neutrality goals. The company is also setting up a hydrogen fuelling station, solar plant, and five fuel cell buses for intracity routes in Leh.

NTPC aims to achieve 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032 and become a leader in green hydrogen and energy storage technologies, the government said. Its decarbonisation initiatives include hydrogen blending, carbon capture, electric buses and developing smart NTPC townships.

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