India to develop World's First Hydrogen-Fueled VTOL Aircraft

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): In a significant leap toward sustainable aviation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed 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). The collaboration aims to develop the world's first hydrogen-fueled Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft ecosystem, marking a major milestone in green aviation.

The MoU, formalized on March 12, was signed by key leaders, including Ranjan Nair, BPCL's Head of Renewable Energy, Narendra Nath Veluri, CEO of ANERT, Maruthi Amardeep Sri Vatsavaya, CEO of BluJ Aerospace, and Manu G, Director of CIAL. This landmark agreement is in line with India's ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and underscores the nation's commitment to innovative, eco-friendly aviation solutions.

The collaborative project aims to revolutionize urban and regional air mobility by integrating green hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft. The technology promises not only to enhance speed and efficiency but also to significantly reduce noise and cut carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

BPCL will play a central role in the project by establishing hydrogen refueling infrastructure for VTOL aircraft through its upcoming Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS) in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. These stations are set to become key components of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Programme, led by ANERT, and will promote commercial hydrogen applications while supporting ongoing research and pilot projects.

In addition, BPCL will focus on research and development efforts to design and create an Indigenous Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Hydrogen Fuel Cell, which will feature high power density to enable the vertical lift-off capabilities of hydrogen-powered VTOLs. This development will strengthen India's hydrogen technology expertise, contributing to the growth of a cleaner, greener aviation ecosystem.

BPCL Chairman and Managing Director G Krishnakumar expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “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.”

With this ambitious project, BPCL is setting the stage for India's progression toward hydrogen-based aviation and transportation. The collaboration marks a key step in making green hydrogen a viable and scalable solution for the aviation industry, reinforcing BPCL’s leadership in sustainable energy and furthering India’s goals for a carbon-neutral future.

As the project unfolds, it is expected to spark significant advancements in green aviation, creating a hydrogen-powered ecosystem that could redefine the future of urban air mobility worldwide.