Kochi: Kerala is set to make a major leap in clean energy with the commissioning of South India’s first green hydrogen plant and refuelling station near Kochi airport in Nedumbassery by mid-May, reports New Indian Express.
The facility — the first green hydrogen plant inside an airport in India — is a joint initiative between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL). BPCL is responsible for building and operating the ₹25-crore, 1,000-kilowatt plant, while CIAL is providing land, water, and renewable energy.
The plant will be able to produce 200 kg of green hydrogen each day using four electrolysers, generating 200 normal cubic metres of hydrogen per hour. Initially, the fuel will be used to power airport vehicles. Plans to sell hydrogen commercially to the public will follow once more hydrogen-powered vehicles are introduced in the state.
“This project marks a significant step towards cleaner transport. The hydrogen fuel outlet will enable emission-free mobility and could set off a revolution in the sector,” a senior BPCL official said.
Originally scheduled for inauguration on May 2, the launch was postponed due to ongoing work. The commissioning is now targeted for mid-May. Once operational, CIAL will introduce a hydrogen-powered bus using hydrogen fuel cells developed by Pune-based KPIT Technologies. If trials go well, three more buses will follow.
BPCL is also planning another hydrogen refuelling station in Thiruvananthapuram. “We are finalising the land and expect to begin construction in the next couple of months,” the official added.
Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water using renewable energy, is seen as a key component of future energy systems. The Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram stations are part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission and are intended to support pilot transport projects between the two cities.
“These refuelling stations are vital to Kerala’s Hydrogen Valley Program. They will help promote commercial uses of hydrogen and encourage broader adoption of hydrogen-powered transport,” the official noted.
