Odisha to launch ‘green hydrogen’ buses project with tripartite agreement

In a significant step towards introducing green hydrogen mobility in Odisha, three state-owned agencies have signed a tripartite agreement. The agreement involving Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) managing director Tirumala Nayak, Grid Corporation of Odisha Limited (GRIDCO) managing director Trilochan Panda, and NTPC CGM M R Panda took place in the presence of Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo and Housing & Urban Development Minister KC Mohapatra.

Under the five-year agreement, CRUT will manage the maintenance of hydrogen-powered buses, NTPC will oversee hydrogen production and GRIDCO will ensure the supply of renewable energy.

As per reports, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARIA) has invested ₹19.5 crore in this pilot initiative. Following successful implementation, Odisha plans to reduce diesel bus usage and gradually introduce more green hydrogen-powered buses, contributing to lower carbon emissions and improved public transport infrastructure.

NTPC will deploy three hydrogen-powered buses designed to replace diesel models. Each bus, with a seating capacity of 42 passengers, can travel up to 600 km on 58 kg of hydrogen, offering a mileage of 12 km per kg.

A hydrogen production plant will be established at the CRUT depot in Gadakan, Bhubaneswar, utilizing existing Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) for hydrogen generation.

To facilitate this project, the Energy Department has requested the General Administration and Public Grievances Department to allocate two acres of land to NTPC. GRIDCO will supply 2 MW of electricity from a nearby substation to support hydrogen production.

The project aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, under which the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued guidelines for pilot projects using green hydrogen in transportation.

KV Singh Deo stated, “The Green Hydrogen Mobility Project represents a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and visionary policy, aimed at revolutionizing our transportation infrastructure. It heralds a new era of sustainable mobility, where clean energy and innovative solutions converge to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”

Usha Padhi, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, held that this green hydrogen buses initiative marks a major step towards addressing climate change in the state.