News, 20 March 2025
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and KPIT Technologies will be working together to promote hydrogen based transportation in Kerala. They recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this context, during the Global Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Summit held in Kochi. Furthering the objectives of National Green Hydrogen Mission, under this MoU, BPCL would focus on on setting up Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) in both Kochi and Trivandrum to facilitate pilot projects for hydrogen mobility and KPIT will provide the hydrogen FCEV bus. As a result, safe and sustainable hydrogen-fueled public transport will connect these two cities.
Promoting Indigenous hydrogen technology
This collaboration is in alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as it incorporates locally developed hydrogen technologies into India’s clean energy framework. BPCL plans to utilize a domestically produced alkaline electrolyser for hydrogen generation, while KPIT Technologies will provide a locally designed fuel cell-powered bus.
Pilot Project to Collect Data
The project aims to collect data regarding the performance of fuel cell buses operating under Kerala’s varied climatic conditions, which can include high humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and heavy rainfall. This data will be used to improve the reliability of fuel cell technologies and pave the way for broader implementation in the future.
BPCL’s Hydrogen Refuelling Stations will provide green hydrogen for the buses, establishing a sustainable energy source. Moreover, BPCL will gain experience in hydrogen dispensing, which will contribute to the development of hydrogen mobility framework in India.
The initiative will assess the reliability of fuel cells, evaluate the feasibility of operating fleets with passengers, and foster the adoption of hydrogen vehicles across the country.
