State-owned energy behemoth NTPC announced on Monday that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GRIDCO, a government-owned corporation in Odisha, and the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), the state’s public transportation agency, to establish green hydrogen infrastructure in the state. The agreement, which is a significant step toward advancing green energy technologies in Odisha, particularly in the realm of green hydrogen mobility, aims to transform the state’s transport sector by integrating sustainable energy solutions.

Under the terms of the MoU, NTPC will set up a green hydrogen fueling station in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. This station will support hydrogen-powered buses for both short- and long-haul operations, promoting a shift from fossil fuel-dependent buses to eco-friendly, hydrogen-fueled alternatives. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in decarbonizing the state’s public transport system, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the overall goal of achieving energy security. This move aligns with the state’s commitment to sustainability and cleaner energy sources, paving the way for the eventual phasing out of traditional fossil fuel-powered buses.

Additionally, the project has received partial funding from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, which underscores the importance of the green hydrogen mobility initiative in the country’s broader energy transition goals. By introducing hydrogen as a clean fuel for public transport, NTPC aims to reduce the environmental impact of bus fleets while also ensuring that the energy needs of the transport sector are met sustainably.

NTPC has been actively involved in green hydrogen projects for several years. The company has been operating a green hydrogen blending project in Surat for the past two years, showcasing its expertise in integrating hydrogen into existing energy systems. NTPC has also initiated similar green hydrogen mobility projects in various locations, including Leh, Greater Noida, and Kandla in Gujarat. These projects reflect the company's growing commitment to promoting green hydrogen as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional fuels in the transport sector.

Furthermore, NTPC is working on developing a green hydrogen hub in Visakhapatnam, which will strengthen the company’s position in the hydrogen economy. The company has set an ambitious goal of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, which will include significant investments in green hydrogen production and infrastructure.

Through this partnership, NTPC, GRIDCO, and CRUT are laying the groundwork for a sustainable, green transport future in Odisha, marking an important step towards the state’s long-term decarbonization and energy sustainability objectives. The collaboration highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in driving the green energy transition and advancing clean mobility solutions across India.