In a significant move towards sustainable transport solutions, the Indian Army has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to trial Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology. Demonstrating its commitment to innovation and environmental conservation, the Army has taken a pioneering step in adopting green transportation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized between the Indian Army and IOCL, witnessed by General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), and Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil. This collaboration saw the Indian Army receive its first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus, underscoring a shared dedication to promoting sustainable transport solutions.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology, which generates electricity by converting hydrogen gas through an electrochemical process with water vapor as the only emission, offers a clean and efficient alternative to conventional fuels. The newly introduced bus, capable of seating 37 passengers, boasts a remarkable range of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg tank of hydrogen.

Additionally, on March 21, 2023, the Indian Army became the first government body to sign an MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited to install Green Hydrogen-based Microgrid Power Plants along the Northern Borders. A pilot project in Chushul will establish a 200-kilowatt Green Hydrogen-based microgrid to provide continuous clean electricity to troops stationed in challenging terrains and severe climatic conditions.