The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has initiated a call for bids for a pilot project which aims to develop a green hydrogen-based transportation system in Kargil, Ladakh. The project’s objective is to operate two hydrogen fuel cell buses in the region, fostering sustainable and emission-free mobility.
The successful contractor will be tasked with developing a 500 kW grid-connected, ground-mounted solar power project to supply electricity to the hydrogen station. This will ensure a clean and sustainable process of hydrogen production, as it integrates renewable energy sources.
Two units of electrolyzer technology, each having a capacity of 30 Nm3/hour, need to be installed as part of the project. The daily hydrogen production target is 40 kg, with a purity level of 99.97% as a minimum requirement. The project is expected to be commissioned within a year from the work order issuance. Furthermore, the selected developer will be responsible for the project’s operation and maintenance for three years.
Bids should be submitted by July 19, 2023, and the bidding process requires a ₹4 million (~$48,817) earnest money deposit and a performance bank guarantee of 5% of the project cost. Eligible bidders must be original equipment manufacturers specializing in water electrolyzers or electrolyzer stacks or, alternatively, be in collaboration with these manufacturers. They also must meet a minimum hydrogen production capacity of 2 kg per hour.
The project requires bidders to have prior experience in the supply, installation, and commissioning of hydrogen production systems of similar capacity. They must demonstrate a successful completion of at least three similar projects valued at ₹100 million ($1.2 million) each, or two projects valued at ₹125 million ($1.5 million) each, or a single project valued at ₹200 million ($2.4 million) within the past seven years. Additionally, they should show a minimum average annual turnover of ₹75.3 million ($919,008) over the last three years and positive net worth in three of the last five years. A working capital of ₹180 million (~$2.2 million) is also required.
The solar modules utilized in the project must be listed in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers and should have a minimum wattage of 320 Wp.
The initiation of this project aligns with the Indian government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which was launched earlier this year with a budget of ₹197.4 billion (~$2.3 billion). The mission focuses on enhancing the demand, production, use, and export of green hydrogen. This pilot project in Ladakh is a significant stride towards achieving these goals.
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