Kerala has taken a significant step in its journey towards decarbonization with the launch of a green hydrogen pilot project in the transport sector. Backed by a Rs. 34.84 crore funding from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the project aims to integrate green hydrogen into public transport.
Project Overview
The initiative, approved by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), includes two fuel cell-based and two hydrogen internal combustion engine-based trucks, alongside two hydrogen refueling units. The total cost is estimated at Rs. 40 crores, with 90% covered by viability gap funding (VGF) under the Central government’s grant scheme. The Kerala government-run Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) will subsidize green hydrogen fuel costs during the project’s initial two years to ensure operational viability.
The project will operate on two sanctioned routes: Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi and Kochi to Edappally, making it a key step in reducing emissions in the state’s transport sector.
Greenstat India: Driving Infrastructure Development
Greenstat India, in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), is playing a pivotal role in developing the hydrogen refueling infrastructure for this pioneering project. Leveraging its expertise in green hydrogen technologies, Greenstat India is contributing to:
Deploying advanced electrolysis technologies for efficient hydrogen production.
Offering strategic guidance for aligning with global best practices.
Building local capacity through training and education initiatives.
Innovating hydrogen storage and distribution solutions.
Greenstat India’s commitment underscores its role as a leader in accelerating India’s transition to renewable energy.
Kerala’s Vision and National Context
This project is a key part of Kerala’s goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and 100% renewable energy by 2040. Alongside this pilot, the state is working on initiatives like a green hydrogen plant at Cochin International Airport, which will be led by BPCL. These efforts align with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to establish 5 metric tons of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, positioning the country as a global leader in renewable energy.
