The NHPC has issued a request for proposals to establish a pilot project for a green hydrogen-based mobility station in Kargil, Ladakh, to operate two hydrogen fuel cell-based buses throughout the area around the ared. In addition, the contractor will be in the position of developing a 500 kW grid-connected ground-mounted solar power project that will supply power to the station. The project’s chosen electrolyser technology should be either an ion exchange membrane, solid oxide electrolyser cell, proton exchange membrane, or alkaline electrolyser.
The installation of two units with a capacity of 30 Nm3 hour is required. The expected daily hydrogen production target is 40 kg, with a minimum purity level of 99.97 per cent. The project should be completed within a year of obtaining the work order. Developers must manage the project’s operation and maintenance for three years. The bid submission deadline is July 19, 2023. As per the tender guidelines, the bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of Rs 4 million. The winning bidder must submit a performance bank guarantee that covers 5 per cent of the project cost. Original equipment producers with expertise in water electrolysers or electrolyser stacks with a minimum hydrogen production capability of 2 kg per hour are required to submit bids. Additionally, bidders who possess prior experience in the supply, erection, and commissioning of hydrogen production systems with a similar capacity can submit bids.
Earlier this month, NHPC Limited and Department of Energy, Government of Maharashtra signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of pumped storage schemes and other renewable energy source projects in Maharashtra. The MoU envisages development of four pumped storage projects aggregating 7,350 MW capacity, namely Kalu – 1,150 MW, Savitri – 2,250 MW, Jalond – 2,400 MW and Kengadi -1,550 MW.
