Adani to deploy Hydrogen Powered Trucks for mining for the first time

MUMBAI : For the first time in Asia, hydrogen powered trucks will soon be deployed for mining operations in India. In this regard, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) on Tuesday,17th January announced its collaboration with India’s Ashok Leyland and Ballard Power of Canada.

The agreement aims to develop a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck (FCET) for mining logistics and transportation.

This collaboration marks Asia’s first planned hydrogen powered mining truck. The demonstration project will be led by AEL.

While Ballard, a leading PEM fuel cell engine manufacturer, will supply the fuel cell engine for the hydrogen truck, Ashok Leyland will provide the vehicle platform and technical support.

The FCET is scheduled to be launched in India in 2023.

The hydrogen powered mining truck will weigh 55 tons, have three hydrogen tanks, a 200 km long working range, and be powered by Ballard’s 120 kW PEM fuel cell technology.

It must be noted that the Adani Group has already announced it plans to invest more than USD 50 billion over the next ten years in green hydrogen and associated ecosystems corresponding to a capacity of up to 3 million tons of green hydrogen annually.

“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,” Vinay Prakash, CEO, Adani Natural Resources said.

“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,” said Randy MacEwen, CEO, Ballard Power Systems.