New Delhi: The Defence Minister inaugurated NTPC’s 3.7 MW solar plant at Chushul in Ladakh through a virtual ceremony, marking the commissioning of a solar–hydrogen energy system in one of the most extreme terrains in the world. Built at an altitude of 4,500 metres, where winter temperatures drop to –40°C, the project was completed within eight months.
The new solar–hydrogen microgrid is intended to replace diesel generator sets currently used at remote Army posts. By ensuring reliable clean power in high-altitude locations, the system is expected to reduce emissions, strengthen energy access and ease the logistical burden of transporting diesel from the plains. NTPC noted that every three units of electricity generated by the system will avoid the transport of one litre of diesel to these forward areas.
NTPC has created a stand-alone microgrid using hydrogen as the storage medium, designed to deliver 200 kW of uninterrupted power throughout the year. Once operational at full capacity, the project is expected to advance efforts to decarbonise infrastructure in remote defence locations.
NTPC Ltd., which accounts for nearly one-fourth of the country’s electricity generation, has an installed capacity of 84,849 MW and another 30.90 GW under development, including 13.3 GW in renewable energy. The company aims to add 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032 as part of India’s Net Zero pathway.
Its current portfolio spans thermal, hydro, solar and wind power, while also expanding into newer sectors including e-mobility, battery and pumped hydro storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power and green hydrogen. The company stated that it remains focused on scaling clean energy technologies to support India’s long-term sustainability goals.
BI Bureau
