Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KPIT Technologies at the Global Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi, aiming to boost hydrogen-based mobility in Kerala. This project, part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, will see the establishment of Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) in Kochi and Trivandrum to support hydrogen-powered transport between the cities, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for public transport.
The MoU was signed by BPCL’s Business Head – Renewable Energy, Shri Ranjan Nair, and KPIT Technologies’ Chairman, Shri Ravi Pandit, with notable attendees including Shri K R Jyothilal, IAS, and Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, IAS, among others.
This collaboration strengthens the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by integrating locally developed technologies to build a robust hydrogen ecosystem. BPCL plans to use a domestic alkaline electrolyser for hydrogen production, while KPIT Technologies will contribute a fuel cell-powered bus designed in India.
Following the agreement, government officials had the opportunity to experience Kerala’s first hydrogen-powered bus, marking a key milestone in the state’s journey towards hydrogen-based public transportation.
The pilot project will collect vital data on the performance of fuel cell buses in Kerala’s diverse climate, which includes high humidity, temperature variations, and frequent rainfall. This data will help improve the reliability of fuel cell technology and guide future large-scale adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
BPCL’s Hydrogen Refuelling Stations will produce high-purity green hydrogen (>99.99%) for the buses, ensuring a sustainable fuel source. The stations will also provide BPCL with hands-on experience in hydrogen dispensing, advancing the country’s hydrogen mobility infrastructure.
Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL, stated, “Hydrogen-powered mobility represents the future of sustainable transportation. This partnership is a significant step toward establishing a hydrogen ecosystem in India, offering clean, efficient, and locally developed transportation solutions.”
The collaboration will evaluate the operational durability of indigenous fuel cell stacks, assess fleet operations for public transport, and promote the wider adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles across the country. With this initiative, BPCL reaffirms its commitment to green energy solutions, contributing to India’s goal of a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Bharat Petroleum, a Fortune Global 500 company, is India’s second-largest oil marketing firm and one of the country’s integrated energy players. With operations in refining, marketing, and distribution, BPCL has a refining capacity of 35.3 million metric tonnes per annum.
The company is on a path to becoming a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040 and is investing in sustainable solutions, including plans to install electric vehicle charging stations at 7,000 fuel stations over the next five years. Through initiatives in education, health, and community development, BPCL continues to support the well-being of local communities while advancing its environmental and social goals.
