NTPC Opens Solar–Hydrogen Microgrid For Ladakh Army Base

04 Dec 2025 CW Team

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.

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