First green hydrogen fueling station in the high-altitude terrain of Leh, Ladakh. The project, executed by Amara Raja Infra for NTPC Ltd, is part of the broader National Hydrogen Energy Mission, aimed at decarbonising India’s transport and industrial sectors.
The facility was inaugurated recently at an elevation of 3,400 metres above sea level, in a region known for extreme weather conditions ranging from -25°C to 30°C. Despite such challenges, the project was completed in just two years, showcasing India’s growing expertise in green infrastructure. With a daily production capacity of 80 kg of green hydrogen (GH2), the station marks a critical step in introducing emission-free public transportation in the ecologically sensitive and strategically important region of Ladakh. NTPC is now set to operationalise five hydrogen-powered fuel cell buses, using this station to facilitate sustainable transport in and around Leh.
“Executing this project in one of the most climatically hostile regions underlines our EPC capabilities and long-term commitment to India’s clean energy future,” said the Business Head (Power EPC) at Amara Raja Infra. The company described the station as a precursor to a national rollout of hydrogen mobility solutions, which will be pivotal for urban and rural clean transport systems. This development places India among a handful of nations globally to establish operational green hydrogen fueling stations, particularly in high-altitude zones. The station not only symbolises a shift towards carbon-free mobility but also offers critical insights for replicating similar models across the country. It will serve as a key testbed for large-scale green hydrogen storage and fuelling infrastructure under India’s ambitious hydrogen roadmap.
Officials believe the success of the Leh station could accelerate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure nationwide, especially in regions where electric mobility faces limitations due to geography or temperature extremes. With its focus on decentralised, sustainable, and climate-resilient energy systems, India’s hydrogen push is aligned with broader global goals for net-zero carbon emissions. As hydrogen begins to fuel not just vehicles but ambitions for a cleaner future, Leh stands at the forefront of this transformative journey.
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