Kochi airport goes beyond solar, set to introduce hydrogen-powered buses

Kochi, Kerala: Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is set to become the first in the country to introduce hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transport, marking a major step towards clean and sustainable mobility in the aviation sector. CIAL is also the world’s first airport fully powered by solar energy.

CIAL stated that the initiative will enhance passenger convenience while significantly cutting emissions from airport transport, positioning Kochi airport at the forefront of India’s clean energy transition in aviation-related mobility.

Also Read | CIAL signs pact to establish world's first green hydrogen plant in airport 

The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation (KHVIC) and CIAL on February 1. The agreement paves the way for the procurement and operation of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses at Kochi airport, according to a statement released by the company on Monday.

The MoA was formally exchanged at a ceremony held at the 0484 Aero Lounge. Kerala Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty, who also chairs the Agency for New & Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), represented the Kerala HVIC Foundation, while Industries Minister and CIAL Director P Rajeev signed on behalf of the airport operator.

Part of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley initiative under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the project will see the HVIC Foundation provide financial support capped at ₹2.90 crore per bus. The total cost of ₹8.7 crore will be disbursed in stages. Procurement is expected to be completed within 12 months, after which ownership of the buses will rest with CIAL. The airport company will manage operational and statutory expenses, as well as determine routes and service models.

Also Read | Sustainable journeys: Kochi's urban feeder buses achieve 14 lakh passenger milestone 

Fuel supply for the buses will be secured through a green hydrogen plant jointly developed by CIAL and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), which is due to commence operations shortly. With statutory approvals for hydrogen infrastructure already in place, officials say the project is poised for swift implementation.

Senior officials from both the State and Central governments attended the event, including CIAL Managing Director S Suhas, HVIC Foundation Chairman Harshil R Meena, and Dr Ranjith Krishna Pai, Senior Director at the Department of Science and Technology.

(With PTI inputs)