BPCL to Develop World's First Hydrogen-Fueled VTOL Aircraft Ecosystem

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), Kerala, and Cochin International Airport Limited to develop the world’s first hydrogen-fueled Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft ecosystem.

This initiative aligns with India’s Net Zero emissions target for 2070 and marks a major step in aviation innovation, BPCL stated in a press release. The project aims to revolutionize urban and regional air mobility by deploying green hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft, enhancing speed, reducing noise, and improving operational efficiency while significantly cutting carbon emissions.

As part of the partnership, BPCL will establish hydrogen refueling infrastructure to support VTOL aircraft developed by BluJ Aerospace. The company plans to leverage its upcoming Hydrogen Refuelling Stations in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram to facilitate this groundbreaking initiative. Additionally, BPCL will invest in research and development to design an indigenous Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Hydrogen Fuel Cell with high power density to enable vertical lift-off, further strengthening India’s hydrogen technology capabilities.

“Green hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize aviation and urban mobility,” said G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL. “This partnership will drive innovative and sustainable clean energy solutions for the future.”

HBL