Ballard Power Systems has entered into an agreement to launch a pilot project in partnership with Adani and Ashok Leyland to develop a hydrogen fuel cell electric truck for use in mining operations. This collaboration aims to result in the creation of Asia’s first hydrogen-powered mining truck.
Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) will lead the demonstration project, leveraging their experience in both mining operations and developing green hydrogen projects. Ballard will provide its FCmove fuel cell system for the hydrogen truck, while Ashok Leyland will supply the vehicle platform and offer technical support.
Details about the planned truck have also been released. The companies have stated that the hydrogen-powered mining truck will weigh 55 tons, be equipped with three hydrogen tanks, have a working range of 200 km, and be powered by Ballard’s 120 kW PEM fuel cell technology. The truck is set to be launched in India in 2023.
“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,” said Vinay Prakash, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited and CEO, Adani Natural Resources, adding: “This experience of handling hydrogen as a fuel for commercial fleet not only prepones 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.”
“Ashok Leyland is excited to collaborate with Adani and Ballard to bring out fuel cell commercial vehicles in the mining and logistics sectors in India,” said Dr. N. Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland.
The Adani Group has stated that it will invest over $50 billion in the next decade in green hydrogen and related technologies, with the goal of producing up to 3 million tons of green hydrogen annually. Recently, the company also announced its intention to use 400 electric trucks from BYD at Indian ports, demonstrating their ability to invest in multiple types of vehicles.
