NTPC REL to help Indian Army generate clean electricity through green hydrogen

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), an arm of NTPC Ltd, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army on March 21 for setting up green hydrogen projects to supply carbon-free electricity at various army bases.

Currently, various locations of the Indian Army are powered through diesel generator (DG) sets in off-grid locations. The Indian Army, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Panchamrit” and carbon-neutral Ladakh, intends to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and their logistics for power generation and heat.

"The projects will be carried out on Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model. The intent is to reduce complex logistics, dependence on fossil fuels and to accelerate decarbonization. Under the ambit of the MoU, a joint identification of potential sites would be undertaken for setting up green hydrogen projects for supplying electricity in a phased manner. NTPC REL will also design, develop, and install renewable energy projects (solar, wind etc.) for the Indian Army," read a statement issued by the ministry of power.

NTPC Ltd said the MoU signifies an advanced approach for modernisation by Indian Army and NTPC’s commitment to assist the nation in its decarbonisation goals. "This agreement is a first of its kind and ushers in a new era of border security backed with energy security for the lines of defence of the country," the company said in a statement.