Hydrogen Instead of Diesel: Adani Tests Zero-Emission Mining Truck with Ballard Power Technology

Burnaby, Canada / Ahmedabad, India – The Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group has unveiled a hydrogen-powered fuel cell truck for mining operations in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

At the heart of the vehicle is the 120-kW FCmove®-XD fuel cell module from Canadian manufacturer Ballard Power. According to the company, the Ballard module is among the most compact and powerful in its class and achieves a service life of over 30,000 operating hours – equivalent to approximately one million miles in truck operation. The project is part of a long-term decarbonization strategy and is being implemented in collaboration with Ashok Leyland.

The 55-ton vehicle, with a payload capacity of 40 tons, will operate between the state-run Gare Pelma III mine and a nearby power plant. With a range of 200 kilometers, it is intended to serve as an alternative to the diesel-powered fleet.

"The initiative for hydrogen-powered trucks is a significant step toward Adani Group’s commitment to decarbonization and responsible mining. We are developing model mines with minimal environmental impact by incorporating autonomous dozer technology, solar energy, digital solutions, and tree transplantation technologies," said Dr. Vinay Prakash, Director at Adani Enterprises.

The deployment in Chhattisgarh is intended to mark the beginning of a gradual transition of Adani’s fleet. In addition to the advantage of zero-emission operation, the system also offers low noise emissions and performance levels comparable to diesel trucks.

At the public presentation of the truck on May 10 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the state’s commitment to sustainability. The implementation of such initiatives, he said, will significantly reduce the state's carbon footprint and set a new standard for the industry in India.

Ballard Power's stock is up 3.1 percent in today's trading at €1.191 (as of 13:08, May 27, 2025, Stuttgart Stock Exchange). Compared to its year-start level, the stock is down about 24 percent.

Source: IWR Online, 27 May 2025