Indian Army ties with Indian Oil Corporation to receive hydrogen fuel cell bus

NEW DELHI: Indian Army is going to demonstrate trials of hydrogen fuel cell bus technology along with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to display a firm resolve towards finding green and sustainable transportation solutions. This represents another step for the Indian Army towards its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Indian Army and IOCL in the presence of General Manoj Pandey, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, President, IOCL.

The Indian Army received a hydrogen fuel cell bus during this event. It marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership between the Indian Army and the IOCL. The MoU emphasized the commitment to promote innovation and develop sustainable transport solutions for the future. This bus has capacity for 37 passengers and travels between 250 and 300 km with a 30 kg hydrogen fuel tank.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology brings clean and efficient alternatives by converting hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical process. This process leaves water vapor as the only byproduct, thus guaranteeing zero emissions.

Notably, on March 21, 2023, the Indian Army became the first government entity to ink an Memorandum of Understanding with National Thermal Power Renewable Energy Corporation Limited to set up green hydrogen-based microgrid power plants across the northern border. A pilot project is being prepared in Chushul, where a 200 kW microgram of green hydrogen will provide 24/7 clean electricity to troops deployed in inhospitable terrain and extreme climatic conditions.

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