MoU between Indian Army and Indian Oil Corporation Limited

Recently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and Indian Oil Corporation Limited to explore hydrogen fuel cell bus technology towards finding solutions to the problem of green and sustainable transportation. 

Key Points

• During the MoU, the first hydrogen fuel cell powered bus was handed over to the Indian Army under “Olive Green – Going Green”.
• The MoU places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and commitment to pursue solutions to the problem of sustainable transportation.

About Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus

• Hydrogen fuel cell technology provides electrical energy by converting hydrogen gas into electricity through an electro-chemical process.
• The electro-chemical process emits water vapour and this ensures zero emissions.
• The hydrogen fuel cell bus has a seating capacity of 37 passengers.
• It offers an impressive mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg onboard tank of hydrogen fuel.

Microgrid Power Plant

• Indian Army signed MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited on 21 March 2023 for setting up Green Hydrogen based Microgrid Power Plants on Northern borders of India.

Pilot Project

• A pilot project is being launched at Chushul, where a 200 kW Green Hydrogen based microgeneration plant will provide 24×7 clean power to troops deployed in difficult terrain and harsh climatic conditions.

About Olive Green

• It is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting ecologically sustainable development.
• The organization promotes green lifestyles through various initiatives.

Key activities and objectives

• Tackling climate change: Olive Green works on renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
• Forest conservation: They work to conserve, restore and sustainably manage forests, as forests play a vital role in natural systems and climate regulation.
• Biodiversity conservation: Protecting natural habitats and species is one of their key priorities.
• Increasing urban greenery: They work on planting more trees, creating gardens and promoting green areas in cities.
• Education and awareness: They organise events to create education and awareness about the environment.

About Going Green

• “Going green” refers to adopting an environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle.
• The goal of “going green” is to reduce environmental impact and use resources more efficiently.
• Reducing carbon footprint: This refers to reducing energy use, using renewable energy sources and reducing travel. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• This refers to recycling, composting and avoiding single-use plastics. Reducing waste saves natural resources.
• This refers to balanced irrigation, water conservation and urban water conservation.
• Conservation of natural resources: This includes reducing the exploitation of wood, mineral and bio resources.
• Ecosystem conservation: This includes protecting natural habitats, forests and biodiversity.
• Use of local and seasonal products: Reducing dependence on goods imported from far away.

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