Indian Army eyes hydrogen fuel cell tech for heavy-duty mobility

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has set its sight on deploying hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility, even as the force on Monday received a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel cell bus for use in Delhi from IndianOil, India’s largest state-run refiner and fuel retailer.

The two sides also signed an MoU for testing and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility at the National War Memorial, India Gate, in the presence of army chief, Gen. Manoj Pande, and IndianOil chairman S M Vaidya.

The trial run of the hydrogen fuel cell bus is the latest in a series of sustainability and green initiatives taken by the Army, a large consumer of hydrocarbons, to reduce its carbon footprint. The initiatives range from tapping renewable energy sources to planting trees and moderating energy use through increased efficiency.

Hydrogen fuel cell bus is one of several initiatives IndianOil is carrying out in the new-age mobility solutions, including a joint venture with an Israeli startup Phinergy or aluminium-air batteries.

"The Indian Army is committed to exploring and adopting innovative technologies that enhance our operational capabilities while ensuring environmental sustainability. We will be testing one of the hydrogen buses, and I must thank IndianOil for choosing the Indian Army as their partner," he said.

Describing the collaboration with the Army as a “landmark step towards a greener and more sustainable future,” Vaidya said IndianOil is currently operating 15 fuel cell buses in the Delhi-NCR region, accumulating a total mileage of 300,00 kms.

The project will assess the performance of fuel cell electric buses for public transit in the demanding climatic conditions of the Delhi-NCR region, analyzing the impact of local fuel and air quality on the performance of fuel cell systems and vehicles. It will also evaluate the effectiveness, longevity, and operational reliability of fuel cell buses intended for public fleet utiliaation.

A company statement said the initiative marks a pivotal step in the journey towards sustainable transportation, setting a precedent for future collaborations aimed at advancing green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in India.

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