South India’s first green hydrogen plant to be launched at Kochi airport

This joint initiative by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) will produce approximately 200 kilograms of green hydrogen daily using advanced 1,000 kW alkaline water electrolysers.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) are set to commission South India’s first green hydrogen plant and fuelling station at Kochi Airport, marking a major milestone in the country’s push for sustainable energy. The project is expected to go live by mid-May 2025.

The facility will produce approximately 200 kilograms of green hydrogen daily using advanced 1,000 kW alkaline water electrolysers. Initially, the hydrogen will power airport vehicles, with plans to expand usage to commercial transport in the near future.

This initiative forms a key component of the National Green Hydrogen Mission which aims to scale India’s hydrogen production to 5 million tonnes annually by 2030. It also aligns with Kerala’s Hydrogen Valley Programme, a state-level effort to build a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure.

Moreover, KPIT Technologies will supply 60–90 kW hydrogen fuel cell systems to power buses during the rollout phase. The project is projected to reduce ground emissions at the airport by up to 85 percent by 2030, offering a significant boost to the decarbonisation efforts of the country

Beyond environmental benefits, the project is also expected to deliver economic gains. With an investment of ₹25 crore the plant is anticipated to generate over 500 jobs in the region.

BPCL is already looking ahead, with plans to establish a second green hydrogen refuelling station in Thiruvananthapuram by 2026. The expansion underscores a broader strategy to advance clean energy solutions and modernise the transport sector across Kerala and beyond.