Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced a new partnership with Bengaluru-based Ohmium International to co-develop integrated green hydrogen-based power solutions in India. The companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the feasibility of creating green hydrogen-powered microgrids for a variety of applications, including data centers and remote locations with strict environmental regulations.
Under this collaboration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor will contribute its technical expertise, system integration, and supply fuel cell modules, while Ohmium will take the lead in designing, developing, and evaluating the performance of the microgrid prototype.
Ohmium, a company specializing in modular and scalable PEM electrolyzers for green hydrogen production, will play a central role in the project’s development. Swapnesh R Maru, Deputy Managing Director at TKM, explained that the initiative aims to push hydrogen technology beyond mobility applications. “Our goal is to explore how green hydrogen can serve as a sustainable fuel source for uses beyond vehicles, such as stationary power generation and rural energy needs,” he said.
While Toyota has already implemented hydrogen technology in vehicles like the Mirai, Maru pointed out that applying it in rural areas presents challenges, primarily around the storage and transportation of hydrogen. The collaboration seeks to address these issues by developing a microgrid that integrates an electrolyzer and a fuel cell, with performance testing in real-world conditions.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, praised the partnership during the MoU signing, calling hydrogen “the fuel of the future.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting clean energy solutions and innovation in both the energy and transportation sectors, in line with India’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral.
“This collaboration is a significant step toward ensuring India’s energy security and achieving sustainability,” said Arne Ballantine, CEO and Co-founder of Ohmium. “Together, we can position India as a global leader in sustainable energy, creating a cleaner and more prosperous society.” The partnership is set to play a key role in advancing India’s green energy future, as both companies work towards integrating hydrogen into the country’s broader energy landscape.
Ohmium specializes in the design, manufacture, and deployment of modular and scalable Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers, supporting cost-effective green hydrogen production. Its advanced electrochemical technologies help industries, transport sectors, and energy developers meet their sustainability targets. With headquarters in the United States, manufacturing operations in India, and a global footprint, Ohmium is actively involved in green hydrogen projects totaling over 2 gigawatts across three continents. In 2023, the company secured $250 million in Series C funding, led by TPG Rise Climate.
