NTPC Opens Solar–Hydrogen Microgrid For Ladakh Army Base
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

NTPC Opens Solar–Hydrogen Microgrid For Ladakh Army Base

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has virtually inaugurated NTPC’s 3.7 MW solar plant, a key part of the solar–hydrogen–battery energy storage system (BESS) based microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh. The project has been developed jointly by NTPC and the Indian Army to power remote high-altitude locations.

The system comprises a 3.7 MW solar PV plant supplying power to a 200 kW load and supporting hydrogen production. It includes a PEM electrolyser for hydrogen generation, hydrogen storage infrastructure, a BESS to provide continuous power and emergency backup, and a fuel cell capable of producing 200 kW of electricity.

NTPC noted that the project was commissioned in just eight months despite the difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions at high altitude.

The new microgrid will replace diesel generator sets currently used at remote Army sites, cutting carbon emissions and offering a cleaner and more dependable energy source. With the facility enabling local generation and use of green energy, it eliminates the need to transport fuel from the plains, improving energy security and reducing logistical burdens. NTPC highlighted that every three units of power generated by the system will avoid transporting one litre of diesel to these Himalayan posts.

The company added that the stand-alone microgrid, designed to provide 200 kW of power at any time of day throughout the year, is located at an altitude of 4,500 metres where winter temperatures can fall to –40°C. NTPC described it as one of the world’s most unique projects of its kind and said it represents a significant step towards decarbonising defence operations in high-altitude regions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has virtually inaugurated NTPC’s 3.7 MW solar plant, a key part of the solar–hydrogen–battery energy storage system (BESS) based microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh. The project has been developed jointly by NTPC and the Indian Army to power remote high-altitude locations. The system comprises a 3.7 MW solar PV plant supplying power to a 200 kW load and supporting hydrogen production. It includes a PEM electrolyser for hydrogen generation, hydrogen storage infrastructure, a BESS to provide continuous power and emergency backup, and a fuel cell capable of producing 200 kW of electricity. NTPC noted that the project was commissioned in just eight months despite the difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions at high altitude. The new microgrid will replace diesel generator sets currently used at remote Army sites, cutting carbon emissions and offering a cleaner and more dependable energy source. With the facility enabling local generation and use of green energy, it eliminates the need to transport fuel from the plains, improving energy security and reducing logistical burdens. NTPC highlighted that every three units of power generated by the system will avoid transporting one litre of diesel to these Himalayan posts. The company added that the stand-alone microgrid, designed to provide 200 kW of power at any time of day throughout the year, is located at an altitude of 4,500 metres where winter temperatures can fall to –40°C. NTPC described it as one of the world’s most unique projects of its kind and said it represents a significant step towards decarbonising defence operations in high-altitude regions.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code