Ladakh: Solar-Hydrogen-Microgrid To Supply Power To Indian Army

Indian power behemoth NTPC and the Indian Army have signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the sale of 200 kW renewable energy-RTC (Round The Clock) power from a solar-hydrogen-based microgrid. This project in Chushul (Ladakh) will supply energy for the next 25 years. The agreement was signed by DMR Panda, CGM (NTPC-Hydrogen), and Aditya Harshey, Brigadier and Chief Engineer (Indian Army), Leh.

The solar-hydrogen-based microgrid project offers a solution to replace the Army’s existing diesel gensets, eliminating fossil fuel logistics and reducing CO₂ emissions by 1,500 tons per year. This unique hydrogen-based off-grid microgrid, situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters, operates in extreme winter temperatures as low as -30°C.

Ladakh: NTPC, Indian Army Set to Build Solar-Hydrogen Microgrid

In 2024, NTPC partnered with the Indian Army to establish a solar-hydrogen-based microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh. This initiative will provide a stable power supply using green hydrogen in off-grid Army locations. NTPC designed the microgrid system to operate independently, utilizing hydrogen as an energy storage medium. It will supply 200 kW of round-the-clock power throughout the year, replacing existing diesel gensets.

Given Ladakh’s high solar irradiance and low temperatures, the project aims to produce and utilize green energy, reducing dependence on fuel logistics and enhancing self-sufficiency in remote areas affected by road connectivity disruptions. Once operational, it will contribute to the decarbonization of the defense sector in remote Himalayan regions.

Solar Projects Expansion Across Ladakh

As part of efforts to expand solar energy in Ladakh, government officials have formalized an action plan to pilot a solar project in the Pang area. They made this decision in a meeting aimed at building local stakeholders’ confidence in the upcoming mega solar power project at Pang.

At the meeting, J&K officials asked the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to discuss initiating work on project modalities. With a specific focus on adjusting the height of the solar panels to allow nomadic herders to graze their livestock beneath them without disruption. The Secretary also instructed Revenue Department officials to identify a suitable 2-hectare plot in the Pang area and conduct a joint survey with all stakeholders. SECI has, in principle, agreed to undertake the project.