Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KPIT Technologies to drive hydrogen-based mobility initiatives in Kerala. The agreement, formalized during the Global Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi, aims to establish Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) and deploy hydrogen-powered public transport as part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Under this initiative, BPCL will set up HRS in Kochi and Trivandrum to facilitate pilot hydrogen mobility projects between the two cities. The move aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, integrating homegrown technologies to bolster India’s hydrogen ecosystem. BPCL plans to utilise a locally developed alkaline electrolyser for hydrogen production, while KPIT Technologies will contribute an indigenously designed fuel cell-powered bus.
Following the signing of the MoU, senior government officials experienced Kerala’s first hydrogen-powered bus, marking a milestone in the state’s transition towards clean fuel alternatives for public transport. The pilot project will collect crucial data on the performance of fuel cell buses under Kerala’s diverse climatic conditions, including high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rainfall. The findings will be instrumental in improving fuel cell reliability and expanding hydrogen-powered transport across India.
BPCL’s Hydrogen Refuelling Stations will produce high-purity (>99.99%) green hydrogen to power the buses, ensuring a sustainable energy source. Additionally, BPCL will gain hands-on experience in hydrogen dispensing, helping shape a robust hydrogen mobility framework for the country.
Commenting on the partnership, BPCL Chairman & Managing Director G Krishnakumar stated, “Hydrogen-powered mobility is the future of sustainable transportation. Through this partnership, we are taking significant strides towards building a hydrogen ecosystem in India, providing clean, efficient, and locally developed solutions for public transport.”
This collaboration aims to assess the operational reliability of indigenous fuel cell stacks, evaluate the feasibility of fleet operations with passengers, and support the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India. By advancing hydrogen-based mobility solutions, BPCL reinforces its commitment to green energy and contributes to India’s vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future.
