Defence Minister inaugurates NTPC’s 3.7 MW solar–hydrogen plant in Ladakh

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday virtually inaugurated NTPC’s 3.7 MW solar plant at Chushul in Ladakh, marking the commissioning of a first-of-its-kind solar–hydrogen project in one of the world’s toughest terrains. The project, built at an altitude of 4,500 metres where winter temperatures can fall to –40°C, has been completed in a record eight months.

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The solar–hydrogen-based microgrid is designed to replace diesel generator sets currently used at remote Army posts, reducing carbon emissions and improving energy reliability in the strategically important Himalayan region. The system is expected to significantly cut the need to transport diesel from the plains, easing logistical challenges and enhancing the energy security of forward locations. According to NTPC, every three units of power generated by the microgrid will avoid the carriage of one litre of diesel to these remote posts.

NTPC has developed a stand-alone microgrid using hydrogen as the storage medium to ensure the availability of 200 kW of power round the clock throughout the year. Once fully operational, the project is expected to represent a major step towards decarbonising defence infrastructure in high-altitude areas.

NTPC Ltd., which contributes nearly one-fourth of India’s electricity generation, currently has an installed capacity of 84,849 MW and another 30.90 GW under construction, including 13.3 GW of renewable energy projects. The company aims to achieve 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032 in alignment with India’s Net Zero objectives.

With a portfolio spanning thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power, NTPC continues to diversify into emerging sectors such as e-mobility, battery and pumped hydro storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power, and green hydrogen. The company said it remains committed to adopting best practices and advancing clean energy technologies to support India’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

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