A
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and the
IOCL in presence of General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Mr
Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil.
During the event, one Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus
was received by the Indian Army. This marks the commencement of mutually beneficial
partnership between Indian Army and IOCL. The MoU emphasised the commitment to
fostering innovation and advancing sustainable transport solutions for the
future.
Hydrogen
Fuel Cell technology offers a clean and efficient alternative by converting
Hydrogen gas into electricity through an electro-chemical process. The process leaves water vapour as the only
by product, thus ensuring zero emission.
The
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus has a seating capacity of 37 passengers. It promises an
impressive mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg onboard tank of Hydrogen fuel.
Notably,
on 21st March 2023, the Indian Army became the first government
entity to ink an MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy
Limited for installation of Green Hydrogen based Microgrid Power Plants along
the Northern Borders. A pilot project is
being setup at Chushul, where a 200 Kilo Watt Green Hydrogen based Microgram
will provide 24×7 clean electricity to troops deployed in inhospitable terrain
and extreme climatic conditions.
With a
focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, the Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Bus endeavour between Indian Army and IOCL represents a significant stride and
pave the way for a cleaner and greener transport solutions.