Raipur: Chhattisgarh has become the first Indian state to begin using a hydrogen-powered truck for mining logistics, marking a small but potentially significant shift in industrial transport practices.
On Saturday, Adani Enterprises deployed the hydrogen fuel cell truck at the Gare Pelma III coal block in Raigarh district. The truck, flagged off by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, will be used to transport coal to a state-run power plant operated by Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL). CSPGCL appointed Adani Enterprises as the mine developer and operator for the Gare Pelma III block through a competitive bidding process.
A Step Towards Reducing Emissions in Mining Operations
The hydrogen truck is equipped with three hydrogen tanks and can carry up to 40 tonnes of cargo over a range of 200 kilometres. According to the company, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer performance comparable to diesel-powered trucks but emit only water vapour and warm air, helping reduce both noise and air pollution.
Mining operations are typically dependent on diesel-powered machinery, contributing significantly to emissions and fossil fuel consumption. The introduction of hydrogen vehicles could help decrease operational emissions in high-extraction areas like coal belts, while also contributing to the country’s goal of reducing crude oil imports.
Pilot Deployment and Future Plans
This truck is part of a pilot initiative by Adani Enterprises in partnership with Indian and international energy technology firms, as well as a leading automotive manufacturer. The company plans to gradually replace diesel vehicles in its logistics operations with hydrogen-powered alternatives.
Vinay Prakash, CEO of Adani Natural Resources, stated that the company is also integrating other sustainability technologies such as semi-autonomous dozer systems, solar-powered mining infrastructure, and digital monitoring tools to create “model mines.”
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