Synopsis : Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium International have partnered to develop green hydrogen-based microgrid systems for decentralised power. This marks Toyota’s move beyond mobility, bringing hydrogen to industrial and domestic energy applications.
In a major step toward India’s clean energy transition, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium International have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop a green hydrogen-powered microgrid system. Under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two companies will collaborate to explore scalable, self-sufficient solutions that convert water into hydrogen through electrolysis, and then back into electricity via fuel cells.
While Toyota brings decades of fuel cell innovation to the table, Ohmium — one of India’s pioneering electrolyser manufacturers — will lead the development and testing of the integrated microgrid prototype. The microgrid is designed to operate independently of the main power grid and is especially suited for remote areas, industrial hubs, data centres, and environmentally sensitive zones.
This initiative marks Toyota’s first move in deploying hydrogen fuel cells beyond mobility, with ambitions to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and fertilizers. According to Toyota’s executives, green hydrogen offers unmatched energy density, long-term storage potential, and zero emissions — making it an ideal clean energy carrier when produced using renewable sources like solar.
The microgrid solution will combine Ohmium’s polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysers, built at its 2 GW facility in Bengaluru, with Toyota’s latest third-generation fuel cell modules. The aim is to create a prototype that can generate, store, and dispatch clean electricity on demand — with the only by-product being water.
While Toyota is globally known for its hydrogen-powered Mirai and fuel cell modules used in buses, trains, and stationary systems, this new partnership reflects a strategic pivot to broaden hydrogen’s role in India’s decentralised energy ecosystem. The companies are currently in the prototyping phase, assessing outputs, challenges, and future use cases to commercialise the technology.
This collaboration aligns with India’s green hydrogen mission and national decarbonisation goals, pushing the boundaries of how hydrogen can be used — not just for clean mobility but for powering homes, industries, and infrastructure sustainably.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment, business, or energy policy advice. Please consult relevant experts for guidance.
