The government’s initiative to establish green hydrogen hubs at key Indian ports has garnered positive attention, leading to significant anticipated investments at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu and Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat.
During a mid-term review conducted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways on Friday, associated infrastructure projects within the ministry’s jurisdiction were evaluated. Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated in a press briefing that initiatives such as the development of green ports, green shipping, and green parks were discussed. Specifically, the hydrogen park project is advancing at Kandla port in Gujarat.
According to the mid-term review’s outcomes, the Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla is actively establishing green hydrogen hubs, having received responses from 13 prospective developers through a global Expression of Interest. The port has been offered more than 7 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonne Per Annum) capacity for green ammonia production by these developers. Notably, Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy generator, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Deendayal Port Authority for green hydrogen production at the port.
Meanwhile, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tamil Nadu has designated 500 acres of land for a green hydrogen hub. The port has inked an MoU with NTPC Green Energy Ltd for the installation of a Green Hydrogen/Derivative Production Facility.
Furthermore, proposals for grants to develop common infrastructure supporting green hydrogen projects have been submitted to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
The developments align with the broader goals discussed at the recent Global Maritime India Summit, where MoUs worth more than Rs. 10 lakh crores were signed. Of this, green initiatives accounted for MoUs worth Rs. 3.8 lakh crores, signaling a substantial commitment to environmentally friendly projects in the maritime sector.
