Kerala, a southwestern state in India known for its lush landscapes and progressive environmental policies, is leading the charge in hydrogen adoption for transportation. In 2021, Kerala's emissions reached 17.2 million tons of CO₂ equivalent, with nearly half originating from the transport sector.
Kerala is already India’s leader in electric vehicle adoption, with 5.2% of passenger vehicles and 13.5% of two-wheelers being electric. Now, the state is taking its green ambitions further by exploring hydrogen-powered vehicles, including buses, trucks and even boats.
The state’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 has set the stage for pioneering hydrogen adoption in India. The Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley project, led by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), and one of the newest members of the Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative, seeks to establish a fully integrated hydrogen ecosystem.
This initiative will position Kerala as a model for other states and demonstrate the potential for hydrogen to cut emissions across sectors.
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), which operates over 5,600 buses, the largest fleet of public transport vehicles in the state, is pioneering the integration of hydrogen-powered buses into its operations.
Kerala is integrating hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks into its freight sector, offering a cleaner alternative to diesel trucks. These vehicles, capable of covering long distances and carrying heavy loads, are a key part of Kerala's green mobility strategy.