Indian Army uses hydrogen microgrid to supply electricity in Himalayas

The Indian Army will use a hydrogen microgrid to provide off-grid and self-sufficient electricity at a base in the Himalayas.

The National Power Corporation of India ( NTPC) has partnered with the Indian government to build a solar-hydrogen microgrid in the village of Chushul in Ladakh.

Designed to operate independently of the grid, the solar power will produce hydrogen, which will be used as an energy storage medium. When combined with batteries, it will provide 200kW of electricity "around the clock" all year round.

NTPC will replace the existing diesel generator sets at the off-grid site and said it will maintain the microgrid project for 25 years.

Chushul village is located in the Himalayas, bordering China. At an altitude of more than 4,000 meters, winter temperatures can drop to -30 degrees Celsius.

In addition to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the new microgrid is planned to provide a stable power supply under adverse conditions, while reducing dependence on fuel logistics and increasing self-sufficiency in remote areas.

Countries around the world have been exploring the use of hydrogen for off-grid power applications.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) told the media in August that using hydrogen in overseas defence applications could reduce logistical risks to the military while supplementing operational output.

“Every time diesel is used, whether in the UK or at a key overseas base, a diesel supply chain has to be established,” said Lieutenant Commander Richard Griffiths, project manager at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Command.

"So if we can actually make our own fuel, we'll be less dependent on the supply chain."

(Source: NTPC Global Hydrogen Energy Network, New Energy Network Comprehensive)