Kerala is preparing to enter a new era of clean energy with the commissioning of South India’s first green hydrogen plant and refuelling station at Kochi Airport. The project is being developed by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in partnership with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). The facility, with a capacity of 1,000 kW, is expected to become operational soon, while plans are also in place to establish another hydrogen refuelling station in Thiruvananthapuram in collaboration with the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT).

The initiative is designed to power Kochi Water Metro and select feeder services of Kochi Metro with hydrogen fuel, making it one of the first large-scale transport systems in South India to adopt green hydrogen. At the initial stage, the Nedumbassery station will produce 80 kg of green hydrogen daily, which will be used to fuel hydrogen-powered vessels and buses. The state government also aims to transition Kochi’s ferries to green hydrogen, with discussions already under way to develop hydrogen fuel cell vessels that can support this shift.

When the concept of green hydrogen was first introduced in Kerala two years ago, the cost of production was a major barrier, with prices standing at around Rs 960 per kg. However, industry experts point out that the cost has now dropped to less than half of that figure, making the fuel significantly more affordable and practical for large-scale applications. The reduction in price is expected to play a crucial role in the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

To further explore possibilities, the Kochi Water Metro has initiated a pre-feasibility study on operating hydrogen-powered ferry services between Aluva and Kochi Airport. The proposed route would pass through the Periyar River and smaller canals, including Changal Thodu. If the project materialises, the ferries will be able to refuel directly at the hydrogen station being developed at the airport, creating a seamless link between hydrogen production and transport services.

The project underscores Kerala’s commitment to advancing green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable fuel source. With BPCL, CIAL, and ANERT working together, the state is positioning Kochi as a pioneer in hydrogen-based transport solutions, paving the way for wider adoption across South India in the years ahead.

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https://www.nativeplanet.com/news/bpcl-partners-with-cochin-international-airport-to-launch-green-hydrogen-plant-and-refuelling-statio-017365.html