The Indian Army has partnered with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to introduce green and sustainable transport solutions within the force. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised between the Army and IOCL, with Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande and Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Indian Oil Chairman presiding over the signing ceremony.
As part of this collaboration, the Indian Army received a hydrogen fuel cell bus during an event held to mark the occasion. This collaboration signals the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership focused on fostering innovation and promoting sustainable transport solutions for the future, as stated by the defence ministry.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology provides a clean and efficient alternative by converting hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical process, producing only water vapour as a by-product, thereby ensuring zero emissions. The hydrogen fuel cell bus, boasting a seating capacity of 37 passengers, offers an impressive mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg tank of hydrogen fuel.
Last year, on March 21, the Indian Army made history by becoming the first government entity to enter into an MoU with the National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Ltd for the installation of green hydrogen-based microgrid power plants along the northern borders. A pilot project is currently underway at Chushul, where a 200 Kilowatt green hydrogen-based microgrid will provide 24×7 clean electricity to troops stationed in challenging terrains and extreme weather conditions.
With a strong emphasis on innovation and environmental responsibility, the collaboration between the Indian Army and IOCL in introducing hydrogen fuel cell buses represents a significant leap towards cleaner and greener transport solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
