NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd has signed a first of its kind MoU for setting up green hydrogen projects in the Indian Army’s establishments on a build, own and operate (BOO) model, according to a statement issued by the public sector power giant today.

Various locations of the Indian Army are powered through DG sets in off-grid locations. The intent is to reduce complex logistics, dependence on fossil fuels and to accelerate decarbonization.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Mohit Bhargava, CEO (NTPC REL) and Lt. General Rajinder Dewan QMG on behalf of the army.

Under the ambit of the MoU, a joint identification of potential sites would be undertaken for setting up of green hydrogen projects for supplying electricity, in a phased manner. NTPC REL will also design, develop, and install renewable energy projects (solar, wind etc.) for the Indian Army, the official statement explained.

This agreement ushers in a new era of border security backed with energy security for the lines of defence of the country.

The MoU signals an advanced approach for modernization by the Indian Army and NTPC’s commitment to assist the nation in its decarbonization goals.

The Indian Army, in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Panchamrit” and Carbon Neutral Ladakh, intends to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and their logistics for power generation and heat.

NTPC REL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited and currently it has a portfolio of 3.6 GW RE capacity under construction. NTPC Group has ambitious plans of 60 GW of RE capacity by the year 2032 and currently it has 3.2 GW of installed RE capacity.

NTPC has taken several initiatives in the Hydrogen technologies and already commissioned Hydrogen blending with Piped Natural Gas project at Gujarat and currently executing hydrogen-based mobility project (in Ladakh and Delhi) and green methanol project in MP.