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Kerala is preparing for the future of hydrogen energy with the upcoming commissioning of South India's first green hydrogen plant and refuelling station at Kochi Airport. BPCL has partnered with Cochin International Airport to establish a 1,000-kW facility, and plans are underway for another station in Thiruvananthapuram with ANERT. The
Kochi Water Metro and select Kochi Metro feeder services are set to be powered by hydrogen fuel. The Nedumbassery station will initially produce 80 kg of green hydrogen daily for hydrogen-powered vessels and buses. The state also aims to shift Kochi's ferries to green hydrogen, with talks ongoing to develop hydrogen fuel cell vessels.
Emergence of Green Hydrogen Plan
Two years ago, when the idea of using green hydrogen was first proposed, it was considered too expensive at around Rs 960 per kg. However, industry experts now say that the price has dropped to less than half, making it more affordable and practical for large-scale use. The Kochi Water Metro has initiated a pre-feasibility study to explore the feasibility of operating ferry services between Aluva and Kochi Airport using hydrogen-powered boats, which would pass through the Periyar River and smaller canals, including Changal Thodu. Suppose this hydrogen ferry plan becomes a reality, the Water Metro will be able to directly refuel the ferries from the new hydrogen station being set up by BPCL in partnership with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).
Introduction of Hydrogen-Powered Buses
CIAL is also planning to introduce hydrogen-powered buses, and it has partnered with EKA Mobility, KPIT Technologies, and BPCL. EKA Mobility has already designed a 9-metre-long bus that can carry more than 30 passengers. This bus will first be tested under a three-year Proof of Concept (PoC) project. If the trial is successful, more buses will be brought into service for airport operations and for transporting passengers over short distances.
Additional Innovations with Hydrogen Technology
BPCL, collaborating with BluJ Aerospace, is further expanding its efforts in hydrogen technology for a hydrogen-powered Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft system, aiming to create a clean and sustainable air transport option for cities and nearby regions, along with research on locally produced hydrogen fuel cells. The hydrogen stations in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram will also support Kerala's Hydrogen Valley Programme by conducting research, pilot projects, and promoting wider usage of hydrogen-powered transport solutions.
