In a major initiative towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels, NTPC REL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army for setting up green hydrogen projects on a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model.
The MoU was signed by Shri Mohit Bhargava, CEO (NTPC REL) and Lt. General Rajinder Dewan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, QMG.
The Indian Army intends to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel and logistics for power generation and heat, in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Panchamrit” and Carbon Neutral Ladakh.
Currently, various locations of the Indian Army are powered through DG sets in off-grid locations.
Under the MoU, NTPC REL will design, develop, and install renewable energy projects (solar, wind, etc.) and a Hydrogen Energy Storage System in a phased manner.
The two organizations will undertake a joint identification of potential sites for setting up green hydrogen projects for supplying electricity, in a phased manner.
This initiative will not only reduce the Indian Army’s dependence on fossil fuel but also accelerate decarbonization. It is also a first-of-its-kind agreement that signals an advanced approach for modernization by the Indian Army and NTPC’s commitment to serve the nation and assist its decarbonization goals.
This agreement ushers in a new era of border security backed with energy security for the lines of defense of the country.
NTPC REL currently has a portfolio of 3.6 GW RE capacity under construction, while the NTPC Group has ambitious plans of 60 GW of RE capacity by the year 2032 and currently has 3.2 GW of installed RE capacity.
NTPC has already commissioned Hydrogen blending with Piped Natural Gas project at Gujarat and is currently executing a hydrogen-based mobility project (in Ladakh and Delhi) and a green methanol project in MP..