NTPC has developed a standalone solar microgrid system that uses hydrogen as the storage medium to deliver 200 kW of round-the-clock power throughout the year. Designed to replace diesel gensets at off-grid Army locations, the system provides a reliable and sustainable power supply even in harsh winter conditions, where temperatures can drop to –40 C at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
Image: Indian Army
From pv magazine India
Indian state-owned power producer NTPC announced it inaugurated a 3.7 MW solar plant that is a key component of the solar–hydrogen–battery energy storage system (BESS)-based microgrid project in Chushul, Ladakh, northern India.
The project was jointly developed by NTPC and the Indian Army. The microgrid comprises a 3.7 MW solar PV plant for supplying power to the 200 kW load and for hydrogen production, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser for hydrogen generation, hydrogen storage facilities, a battery energy storage system (BESS) for short-duration continuous power supply and emergency operation, and a fuel cell system capable of generating 200 kW of electrical power.
NTPC noted that the project was commissioned in a record eight months despite the challenging, high-altitude terrain.
The solar–hydrogen-based microgrid will replace diesel generator sets currently used at remote Army locations, reducing carbon emissions and enabling a cleaner, more reliable energy supply for the region. By supporting local production and use of green energy, the project removes the need to transport fuel from the plains, strengthening energy security and easing logistical burdens, the Indian utility said.
For every three units of power generated, one litre of diesel otherwise transported to these remote Himalayan posts will be avoided.
“NTPC has designed a stand-alone microgrid using hydrogen as the storage medium to supply 200 kW of power at any time of the day, throughout the year. Located at an altitude of 4,500 m, where winter temperatures dip to –40 C, this is the world’s most unique project of its kind,” the company stated. “Once fully operational, it is expected to mark a major step towards decarbonising the defence sector in high-altitude regions.”
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