By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : March 18, 2025 8:47 pm
Pioneering green hydrogen in aviation for sustainable and efficient air mobility
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has entered into a quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BluJ Aerospace, the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), Government of Kerala, and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) to develop the first hydrogen-fueled Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft ecosystem globally.
Signed in Kochi on March 12, 2025, this pivotal agreement aligns with India's goal of attaining Net Zero emissions by 2070 and represents a significant stride in aviation innovation. The project aims to transform urban and regional air mobility through the integration of green hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft, enhancing speed, reducing noise, and improving efficiency while substantially cutting down carbon emissions.
In its crucial role, BPCL will establish hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for VTOL aircraft developed by BluJ Aerospace via its forthcoming Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS) in Kochi and Trivandrum. Furthermore, BPCL will engage in R&D endeavours focused on designing and developing an Indigenous Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Hydrogen Fuel Cell characterized by high power density to facilitate vertical lift-off, thereby advancing India's hydrogen technology capabilities.
The MoU was executed by Ranjan Nair, Business Head – Renewable Energy, BPCL, Narendra Nath Veluri, IFS, CEO – ANERT, Maruthi Amardeep Sri Vatsavaya, CEO – BluJ Aerospace, and Manu G, Airport Director – CIAL with notable attendees including K R Jyothilal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Kerala, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, IAS, Ex-Secretary, MNRE, Government of India, Dr. Bharat L. Newalkar, CGM (R&D).
Commenting on this landmark partnership, G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, remarked, "Green hydrogen holds the potential to transform aviation and urban mobility. This partnership reflects our resolve to lead in clean energy solutions that are innovative and practical for a sustainable future."