Kerala is set to achieve a significant milestone in sustainable transportation with the imminent deployment of its first hydrogen-fuelled bus. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) and Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL), the world’s first fully solar-powered airport.
The prototype of the bus, powered by green hydrogen, was showcased at the Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit held in Kochi on March 12 and 13. The state’s first green hydrogen production facility and refuelling station, currently under construction near the airport in Nedumbassery, is expected to be completed soon. According to BPCL officials, nearly 70% of the work has been completed, with final installations underway. The facility is anticipated to be operational within the next two months.
A Step Towards Green Mobility
The hydrogen bus, developed in partnership with Pune-based KPIT Technologies Ltd., will initially be deployed within the airport premises or used for short-distance airport connectivity. The project is part of a larger initiative to integrate green hydrogen into Kerala’s transportation sector. BPCL is overseeing the development of the integrated hydrogen production and refuelling station, ensuring state-of-the-art technology and operational efficiency.
The green hydrogen plant, set up at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore, will primarily cater to airport operations, starting with the hydrogen bus. The initiative marks a pioneering effort in establishing a hydrogen-based transportation model, with CIAL leading the way in sustainable infrastructure. The project will result in the world’s first hydrogen plant and fueling station in close proximity to an airport, reinforcing India’s commitment to zero-carbon energy solutions.
Future Expansion and Strategic Collaborations
CIAL, recognized for its leadership in renewable energy with an installed capacity of 50 MW from solar and hydro projects, has further strengthened its sustainability drive by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BPCL. Under this agreement, a 1,000 KW pilot project will be set up on airport premises. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a synthetic aviation fuel manufacturing unit at CIAL, in collaboration with BPCL. Synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector, aligning with Kerala’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
National Green Hydrogen Mission and Pilot Projects
This project is part of the Union government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which has initiated five pilot projects to test hydrogen-fuelled buses, trucks, and refuelling stations across the country. A total of 15 hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles and 22 hydrogen internal combustion engine-based vehicles will be deployed on 10 designated routes. Two routes in Kerala—Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi and Kochi-Edappally—have been selected for trials, expected to be operational within the next 18 to 24 months.
Industry Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The hydrogen bus deployment at CIAL is the result of a strategic collaboration between EKA Mobility, KPIT Technologies, and BPCL. EKA Mobility has designed the 9-meter-long bus, capable of carrying over 30 passengers, as part of a Proof of Concept (PoC) project that will run for three years. BPCL has developed the hydrogen infrastructure at CIAL, including production, dispensing, and refueling facilities.
Sudhir Mehta, Founder & CEO of EKA Mobility, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “The introduction of our hydrogen fuel cell bus in Kochi highlights our commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility. Partnering with BPCL and KPIT, we aim to accelerate India’s transition to hydrogen-powered public transport.”
Kishor Patil, Co-founder, MD & CEO of KPIT Technologies, added, “We have been dedicated to advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology and green solutions. This collaboration with EKA Mobility and BPCL brings us closer to achieving net-zero goals for large infrastructure projects in Kerala.”
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This initiative is expected to serve as a model for hydrogen-based mobility solutions, providing insights into infrastructure development and operational efficiency. The success of this project could influence broader policy decisions and encourage further investments in hydrogen-based transport across India.
With Kerala taking a bold step toward green hydrogen adoption, the state is poised to become a leader in sustainable energy solutions, reinforcing India’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future.
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