Vinod Bhat
Kochi, March 12, 2025: In a significant advancement in sustainable aviation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has entered into 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) to develop the first hydrogen-fueled Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft ecosystem in the world.
Signed in Kochi on March 12, 2025, this pivotal agreement aligns with India’s goal of attaining net-zero emissions by 2070 and represents a major stride in aviation innovation. The project aims to transform urban and regional air mobility through the integration of green hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft, enhancing speed, reducing noise, and improving efficiency while substantially cutting down carbon emissions.
BPCL’s Contribution to Hydrogen-Powered Aviation
In its crucial role, BPCL will establish hydrogen refueling infrastructure for VTOL aircraft developed by BluJ Aerospace via its forthcoming Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS) in Kochi and Trivandrum. Furthermore, BPCL will engage in R&D endeavors focused on designing and developing an indigenous Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Hydrogen Fuel Cell characterized by high power density to facilitate vertical lift-off, thereby advancing India’s hydrogen technology capabilities.
Strategic Alliance for a Sustainable Future
The MoU was executed by Shri Ranjan Nair, Business Head – Renewable Energy, BPCL; Shri Narendra Nath Veluri, IFS, CEO – ANERT; Shri Maruthi Amardeep Sri Vatsavaya, CEO – BluJ Aerospace; and Shri Manu G, Airport Director – CIAL, with notable attendees including Shri K R Jyothilal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Kerala; Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, IAS, Ex-Secretary, MNRE, Government of India; and Dr. Bharat L. Newalkar, CGM (R&D). Senior officials from both the state and central governments, as well as ANERT and CIAL, were also present.
A Milestone in the Future of Clean Aviation
Commenting on this landmark partnership, Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL, remarked, “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.”
Promoting Hydrogen Mobility Through Kerala’s Hydrogen Valley Program
BPCL’s upcoming Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS) in Kochi and Trivandrum will be strategically positioned to facilitate research and pilot projects within Kerala’s Hydrogen Valley Program. These stations will be essential in promoting commercial hydrogen applications and encouraging the wider uptake of hydrogen-powered transportation solutions.
With this initiative, BPCL strengthens its position as a leader in green energy solutions, setting the groundwork for India’s progression towards hydrogen-based aviation and transportation.
About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL):
A Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second-largest Indian oil marketing company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in the refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with a presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company has attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies with greater operational and financial autonomy.
Bharat Petroleum’s refineries in Mumbai, Kochi, and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations, and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 22,000 fuel stations, over 6,250 LPG distributorships, 525 lubes distributorships, 123 POL storage locations, 54 LPG bottling plants, 63 aviation service stations, 5 lube blending plants, and 4 cross-country pipelines as of August 31, 2024.
Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, and environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has outlined a plan to offer electric vehicle charging stations at around 7,000 fuel stations over the next five years.
With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a roadmap to become a net-zero energy company by 2040, in terms of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering with communities by supporting several initiatives primarily focused on education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building, and employee volunteering. With “Energizing Lives” as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation, and technology.
