Kochi: Kerala is taking a major step toward cleaner transport with the upcoming launch of South India’s first green hydrogen plant and refuelling station at Kochi airport. Officials say the facility could soon power the Kochi Water Metro and select e-feeder buses of the Kochi Metro, reports The New Indian Express.
The 1,000-kw plant at Nedumbassery has been set up through a partnership between BPCL and Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL). BPCL also plans to build a similar hydrogen station in Thiruvananthapuram in collaboration with ANERT.
“Green hydrogen has the potential to transform aviation and urban mobility. The refuelling station at Nedumbassery is ready for commissioning and can initially produce 80 kg of hydrogen daily,” a senior BPCL official said.
The station is expected to support hydrogen-powered vessels and e-feeder buses planned by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL). The Kochi Water Metro, which currently operates electric-hybrid ferries, is exploring a shift to hydrogen fuel.
“We had initially decided against hydrogen ferries due to high operating costs and sourcing challenges, but with subsidies now available from ANERT, the project is under active consideration,” a KMRL source said.
The cost of green hydrogen has dropped significantly since the project was first proposed two years ago, from Rs 960/kg to nearly half that, making it a more viable alternative to fossil fuels.
A pre-feasibility study is underway for a hydrogen ferry service connecting Kochi airport to Aluva via Periyar and canals like Changal Thodu. The BPCL-CIAL hydrogen station would serve as the primary fuel source for these ferries.
CIAL is also planning hydrogen-powered buses, developed with EKA Mobility and KPIT Technologies. The nine-meter buses, capable of carrying 30 passengers, will run initially as a three-year Proof of Concept, with the possibility of expanding the fleet if successful.
BPCL is additionally working with BluJ Aerospace to develop a hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft ecosystem, aiming to create sustainable, zero-emission urban and regional air transport.
Strategically positioned stations in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram will support research and pilot projects under Kerala’s Hydrogen Valley Programme, promoting commercial hydrogen use and the wider adoption of hydrogen-powered transport solutions.
