Leh, 14 July: Keeping in line with India’s aim to build green hydrogen plants that will run on electricity produced by green energy sources and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels for mobility, the UT of Ladakh signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of 2 pilot green hydrogen technologies with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC).

At the outset, CEO, NHPC Renewable Energy Limited, A K Pathak, and Head of Power Station NBPS & Chutak P.S, Bikram Singh extended their sincere congratulations on this major moment and felicitated the officials. 

CEO, NHPC Renewable Energy Limited, A K Pathak apprised the officials regarding the background of Green Hydrogen; Production/Working of Hydrogen Technology; Hydrogen Pilot Project, Kargil/ Leh; Present Status of Pilot Projects, among others. 

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, Radha Krishna Mathur, urged NHPCL to ensure that the cost of hydrogen fuel is not costlier than other fuels.  He further directed NHPCL to develop a blueprint of hydrogen-based energy for Ladakh. 

NHPCL’s cooperation was highly appreciated by Hon’ble CEC/Chairman, LAHDC, Leh, Tashi Gyalson. He said that with the growing threat of climate change due to the excessive release of carbon emissions, Ladakh is looking to clean energy alternatives to replace traditional fossil fuels. Hence, he informed the officials about the ongoing and upcoming carbon neutral projects. Furthermore, he stressed working towards sustainable development. 

Hon’ble CEC/Chairman, LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmed Khan, stressed that climate change is a major threat to Ladakh. Therefore, major collective steps should be taken to tackle the devastating effects of climate change.

On this occasion, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, UT Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgail extended his good wishes and hopes for growth and development. 

Extending his gratitude towards the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, Radha Krishna Mathur for his guidance, Secretary Power and New Renewable Energy, Ravinder Kumar said that the establishment of the 2 pilot projects in Ladakh was a historic moment. He said that the green hydrogen project is another step towards achieving “Carbon Neutral Ladakh” and the Power Department is also working on geothermal power projects. The Secretary further urged NHPC regarding decarbonizing transport to promote carbon-neutral mobility to help fight climate change. 

This initiative is a boost to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘carbon neutral’ Ladakh. The MoU will help Ladakh develop a carbon-free economy based on renewable sources and green hydrogen. 

The occasion was also graced by Deputy Commissioner, Leh/Kargil; senior dignitaries of UT Administration; NTPC officials, and public representatives.