• Collaboration Aims to Launch Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses Between Kochi and Trivandrum KOCHI, India, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KPIT Technologies during the Global Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi to promote hydrogen-based mobility initiatives in Kerala. This initiative, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, involves the establishment of Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) in Kochi and Trivandrum to support pilot mobility projects between the two cities, paving the way for safe and sustainable hydrogen-powered public transport.

The MoU was signed by Shri Ranjan Nair, Business Head - Renewable Energy at BPCL, and Shri Ravi Pandit, Chairman of KPIT Technologies, in the presence of notable figures including Shri K R Jyothilal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Kerala, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, IAS, Former Secretary, MNRE, Government of India, Dr. Bharat L. Newalkar, CGM (R&D), Shri D. D. Sarkar, Project Head (Renewable Energy), along with senior officials from both the Kerala State Government and the Central Government.

Promoting Indigenous Hydrogen Technology for Clean Mobility This collaboration supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by integrating homegrown technologies for a strong hydrogen ecosystem. BPCL plans to deploy a locally developed alkaline electrolyser for hydrogen production, and KPIT Technologies will contribute an indigenously designed fuel cell-powered bus.

After the MoU was signed, senior government officials were able to experience Kerala's inaugural hydrogen-powered bus, marking a significant achievement in transitioning to hydrogen as a viable clean fuel for public transport.

Pilot Project to Yield Essential Real-World Insights The project seeks to gather crucial data on the performance of fuel cell buses in Kerala's varying climatic conditions, which include high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rainfall. This information will enhance the reliability of fuel cell technology and support future extensive deployment of hydrogen-powered transportation.

BPCL's Hydrogen Refuelling Stations will create high-purity (>99.99%) green hydrogen for the buses, ensuring a sustainable energy source. BPCL will also gain practical experience in hydrogen dispensing, which will help develop a robust hydrogen mobility framework in India.

A Move Towards a Cleaner Tomorrow Commenting on the partnership, Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, said, "Hydrogen-powered mobility is the future of sustainable transportation. Through this partnership, we are taking significant strides towards building a hydrogen ecosystem in India, providing clean, efficient, and locally developed solutions for public transport." This initiative will assess the operational reliability and durability of indigenous fuel cell stacks, evaluate the feasibility of fleet operations with passengers, and facilitate the wider adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles across India.

With this collaboration, BPCL further reaffirms its commitment to green energy solutions, contributing to India's overarching goal of a cleaner and more sustainable future.

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL): Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum's Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 22,000+ Fuel Stations, over 6,250 LPG distributorships, 525 Lubes distributorships, 123 POL storage locations, 54 LPG Bottling Plants, 63 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 4 cross-country pipelines as on 31.08.2024.

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has chalked out the plan to offer electric vehicle charging stations at around 7000 Fuel Stations over next 5 years.

With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With 'Energising Lives' as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum's vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR