Gautam Adani Group has signed an agreement with Ashok Leyland and Ballard Power to initiate a pilot project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck.
On Tuesday, Gautam Adani’s group announced that it will use hydrogen fuel cell trucks for the logistics and transportation of minerals. Adani has contracted with Ashok Leyland and Ballard Power of Canada to initiate a pilot project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck (FCET).
“Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), part of the diversified Adani portfolio of companies, signed an agreement to launch a pilot project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck (FCET) for mining logistics and transportation with Ashok Leyland, India, and Ballard Power, Canada,” it said in a statement.
The collaboration marks Asia’s first planned hydrogen-powered mining truck.
The demonstration project will be led by Adani Enterprises and Ballard, the industry’s leading manufacturer of PEM fuel cell engines will supply FCmove™ fuel cell engines for hydrogen trucks. Ashok Leyland, one of the largest bus manufacturers in the world, will provide the vehicle platform and technical support.
The Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, Asia’s richest man, plans to invest more than $50 billion in green hydrogen and related ecosystems over the next 10 years, producing up to 3 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year, said in a statement.
Vinay Prakash, Director, of Adani Enterprises Limited and CEO, of Adani Natural Resources said, “This pioneering and ambitious green hydrogen project holds a strong promise for India’s future energy self-reliance and is consistent with the vision of Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, of accelerating the use of hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology in the commercial transport system.”
The FCET is scheduled to be launched in India in 2023, Gautam Adani’s group announced on Tuesday.
He added that “The experience of handling hydrogen as a fuel for the commercial fleet will not only prepone the advent of hydrogen technology for the mining and logistics sector in the country but will also enable other businesses to opt for long-term sustainable solutions transitioning fleets in ports, airports and in their industrial operations.”
The hydrogen-powered mining truck weighs 55 tons, has three hydrogen tanks, has an operating range of 200 km, and is powered by Ballard’s 120 kW PEM fuel cell technology.
“After signing an MoU with the Adani Group last year, we are eager to move our partnership forward and welcome the chance to cooperate with cutting-edge businesses like Adani,” said Randy MacEwen, CEO, of Ballard Power Systems.
“Our technology offers a strong value proposition for their heavy-duty mining truck with our zero emission engines providing long range, rapid refueling, and heavy payload capabilities,” he added.
Meanwhile, N Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland, said, “With our track record of developing unique and new products, Ballard’s technological expertise in fuel cells, and Adani’s unwavering dedication to hydrogen, there is a significant opportunity for India to decarbonize both goods and passenger transportation.”
Meanwhile, N Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland, said, “With our track record of developing unique and new products, Ballard’s technological expertise in fuel cells, and Adani’s unwavering dedication to hydrogen, there is a significant opportunity for India to decarbonize both goods and passenger transportation.”
