NTPC’s 3.7 megawatt solar-hydrogen-based microgrid at Chushul in Ladakh replaces diesel generators at off-grid Army locations, cutting fuel transport, boosting energy security and aiding decarbonisation in high-altitude conditions

Defence minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) 3.7 megawatt solar-hydrogen-based microgrid at Chushul in Ladakh on Friday. The plant replaced the diesel generator sets currently used at off-grid Army locations and will provide a stable power supply.

According to an NTPC statement, the project will eliminate the need for fuel transportation from the plains, enhance energy security, and reduce logistical challenges.

NTPC has designed a stand-alone microgrid using hydrogen as the storage medium to supply 200 kW of power at any time of the day, throughout the year. Located at an altitude of 4,500 metres with winter temperatures dipping to minus 40 degrees Celsius, the company describes this as the world’s most unique project of its kind.The project is expected to mark a major step towards decarbonising the defence sector in high-altitude regions once it is fully operational.

It will also reduce carbon emissions and support a cleaner and more reliable energy system for the region by enabling local production and utilisation of green energy. NTPC has stated that every three units of power generated will avoid carrying one litre of diesel to these remote Himalayan posts.