CRUT Signs MoU With NTPC & Gridco For Running Hydrogen-Powered Buses In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Marking a significant development in eco-friendly transport in Odisha, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by NTPC Limited, GRIDCO Limited and Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) on Monday.

The MoU, effective for next five years, outlines the roles and responsibilities of the three parties involved. NTPC will focus on hydrogen production, GRIDCO will ensure renewable energy supply, and CRUT will manage the operations of the hydrogen-powered buses.

This collaborative effort aims to implement innovative green energy technologies in the state with a primary focus on revolutionising the public transport system.

The scheme guidelines for implementation of pilot projects for use of green hydrogen in the transport sector have been issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

The pilot project, with an investment of Rs 19.5 crore by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), will facilitate the transition from fossil fuel-based buses to eco-friendly hydrogen-powered buses. CRUT, under the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) in association with GRIDCO (Energy Department) is making a shift to a zero-emission policy.

This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the quality of bus services in the state. This initiative aligns with Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022 and NTPC’s diversification strategy into renewable energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage technologies, said a release from CRUT.

Key Features of the Project:
1. Hydrogen-Powered Bus Fleet: Three hydrogen fuel cell buses will be deployed by NTPC. These buses are designed to replace traditional diesel buses, providing a sustainable alternative in public transport. The specification for the three fuel cell green buses includes a seating capacity of 42 passengers, a 150-kW drive motor, having 80-kW fuel cell capacity. Each bus has a fuel capacity of 58 kg, offering a mileage of 12 km per kg having a range of 600 km.

2. Hydrogen Production Plant: NTPC will establish a hydrogen production plant at the Gadakana depot of CRUT using the existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for green hydrogen generation. This will support the clean energy requirements of the hydrogen buses.

3. Renewable Energy Supply: Energy department has requested GA &PG department to lease 2 acre of land to NTPC Renewable Energy. GRIDCO will provide connectivity for 2 MW to the nearest substation, including the fixed cost and security deposit and facilitate the supply of potable water (12 CUM/day).