BPCL to set up first-ever green hydrogen plant in an Indian airport

BENGALURU (Reuters) - Indian refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) said on Wednesday it will set up the first-ever green hydrogen plant inside an airport in the country.

BPCL said it would build and operate a 1,000-kilowatt green hydrogen plant inside Cochin International Airport, which will contribute land, water and green energy resources.

The initial output will be used to power vehicles in the airport, which is in the southern part of the country, BPCL said.

Green hydrogen, which is produced from water using renewable energy sources, is recognised as a future fuel and aligns with carbon-neutral strategies.

Indian companies are investing billions of dollars to reduce emissions to meet the country's goal of net zero emissions by 2070. India is also expanding the use of biofuel in its transport sector to achieve this goal.

BPCL plans to invest $18.16 billion over the next five years to grow its oil business and expand its renewable energy portfolio as it aims for a 2040 net zero goal.

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)