Jharkhand industry secretary Jitender Singh recently said that chief minister Hemant Soren has given the nod for signing a memorandum of understanding between the state government and TCPL Green Energy Solutions Private Limited (TGESPL) to set up the country’s first hydrogen-based advanced fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) manufacturing plant in Jamshedpur.

A media release issued by Jharkhand’s chief minister secretariat announced the manufacturing of hydrogen internal combustion engines and fuel-agnostic engines in Jamshedpur, East Singhbhum, by TCPL Green Energy Solutions Private Limited (TGESPL) — a joint venture of Tata Motors Limited and Cummins Inc., USA.

The plant will be set up on land leased to Tata Motors in Jamshedpur. They plan to start production by the end of 2024.

“The MoU would be signed for the establishment of a unit for manufacturing of advanced chemistry battery, H2 fuel cell and H2 fuel delivery systems.

“After the MoU, the way will be paved for the establishment of the country’s first hydrogen fuel-related industry in Jamshedpur. The latest technology of making hydrogen engines will be used, which will benefit the whole country in the coming times,” the release said.

Based on the parameters of Jharkhand Industrial and Investment Promotion
Policy 2021, and according to the investment received from the manufacturing unit in terms of direct and indirect employment, the unit has been classified under the mega category.

“The proposed capacity of this unit is 4000+ hydrogen IC engine and fuel agnostic engine and 10,000+ battery system for which the proposed investment is Rs 354.28 crore. According to an estimate, the unit will ensure the employment of more than 310 people directly or indirectly,” said a senior official in the chief minister secretariat.

Hydrogen is a type of fuel, whose capacity is more than other fuels. Its energy level is high and it is economical and light. It is environment-friendly as compared to fossil fuel-based systems.

Senior executives of Tata Motors and Cummins India met the chief minister in June on their plans of investing in a hydrogen engine-based vehicle manufacturing plant.