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Indian Army and IOCL Join Forces for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Technology Trials

Indian Army has joined hands with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for demonstration trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology. This collaboration underscores the Army’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

Formal Agreement Signed

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between the Indian Army and IOCL, marking the commencement of this mutually beneficial partnership. The agreement was inked in the presence of General Manoj Pande, the esteemed Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), and Mr. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, the esteemed Chairman of Indian Oil.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Received

During the event, the Indian Army received its first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus, signaling the initiation of the demonstration trials. This cutting-edge technology holds the promise of revolutionizing transportation by harnessing the power of hydrogen as a clean and efficient fuel source.

Clean and Efficient Technology

Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology offers a compelling alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based modes of transportation. By converting hydrogen gas into electricity through an electro-chemical process, it ensures zero emission, with water vapor being the only by-product.

Impressive Features

The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus boasts an impressive seating capacity of 37 passengers and promises an exceptional mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg onboard tank of hydrogen fuel. These features make it an attractive option for the Indian Army’s transportation needs.

Continuing the Green Hydrogen Journey

This collaboration builds upon the Indian Army’s previous initiatives in embracing green hydrogen technology. On March 21, 2023, the Army became the first government entity to sign an MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited for the installation of Green Hydrogen-based Microgrid Power Plants along the Northern Borders.

Additionally, a pilot project is underway at Chushul, where a 200 Kilowatt Green Hydrogen-based Microgrid will provide 24×7 clean electricity to troops deployed in inhospitable terrain and extreme climatic conditions.

Understanding Hydrogen Fuel Cells

A hydrogen fuel cell is a cutting-edge technology that uses the chemical energy of hydrogen to produce electricity. It is a clean form of energy, with electricity, heat, and water being the only products and by-products. Fuel cells offer a wide range of applications, from transportation to emergency back-up power, and can power systems as large as a power plant or as small as a laptop.

Compared to traditional combustion-based technologies, fuel cells provide advantages such as greater efficiencies and lower emissions, making them an attractive option for a sustainable future.

As the Indian Army and IOCL embark on this collaborative journey, their partnership sets a precedent for embracing innovative and environmentally friendly technologies in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future for transportation and energy solutions.

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