Toyota Expands Green Hydrogen Focus with Ohmium Partnership Beyond Mobility

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), in collaboration with US-headquartered Ohmium International—which manufactures electrolysers in India—has announced a strategic partnership to co-develop a scalable green hydrogen-based microgrid system. This initiative marks a significant move towards expanding the use of hydrogen beyond mobility into off-grid, decentralized power generation for applications such as domestic generators and industrial sectors that are difficult to decarbonize.

The collaboration is built upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two companies. Toyota will bring its decades-long global expertise in hydrogen fuel cell technology, while Ohmium will contribute its technological capabilities in electrolyser manufacturing. The goal is to jointly explore and prototype a self-sustaining, water-to-hydrogen-to-electricity microgrid solution.

A hydrogen-based microgrid system works by using electrolysis to split water into hydrogen, which can then be stored or converted back into electricity through fuel cells when needed. Ohmium's Bengaluru-based 2 GW Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolyser plant, which became operational in 2023, provides a strong technological foundation for the project. Toyota, having invested in fuel cell technologies since 1992, recently introduced its third-generation fuel cell system targeting heavy-duty commercial applications.

According to Toyota Kirloskar Motor Senior VP Sudeep Dalvi, the partnership is a complementary one that leverages the strengths of both companies. He emphasized that Toyota’s fuel cell technologies have broad applicability beyond vehicles, including industrial and domestic power generation. This partnership is expected to aid India’s transition towards clean energy and support the national energy goals.

As part of the collaboration, Toyota will provide fuel cell modules, technical expertise, and support for system integration. Ohmium will be responsible for designing, developing, and evaluating the performance of the microgrid prototype. The companies are particularly focusing on solutions that could be implemented in remote locations, data centers, or environmentally sensitive areas.

Toyota has long adopted a multi-pathway strategy for carbon reduction, supporting a mix of technologies like hybrids, battery electric vehicles (EVs), and hydrogen fuel cells. Since 2014, it has sold nearly 28,000 units of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Additionally, it has provided over 2,700 fuel cell systems for non-automotive applications like buses, trains, and stationary power sources.

Country head Vikram Gulati highlighted hydrogen's potential as a clean energy carrier. He pointed out that compressed hydrogen has nearly seven times the energy density of batteries and can store energy for long durations. It is also portable, flexible, and crucial for decarbonizing tough industrial sectors like steel, cement, and fertilizer production. He emphasized that the only by-product of hydrogen energy systems is water, making it environmentally sustainable.

Despite criticisms around hydrogen's scalability and niche applicability, Toyota believes microgrid solutions can diversify and expand its usage. Dalvi noted that the economic viability of hydrogen hinges on its widespread adoption. By extending its use to industries and decentralized power systems, costs could come down, and the technology could become more accessible.

Previously, Toyota partnered with the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) for a Mirai demonstration project and collaborated with the Kerala government for a fuel cell feasibility study. It also signed an MoU with Ashok Leyland to supply fuel cell modules for developing hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle prototypes.

In essence, this partnership aims to pioneer a hydrogen-powered energy ecosystem in India, going beyond transportation to include industrial, commercial, and off-grid applications.