India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has received an enthusiastic response from more than 20 companies keen to participate in green hydrogen generation, storage, bunkering, and refueling projects. These ambitious initiatives are set to transform three major Indian ports: Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradeep.
At the forefront of this green revolution is Kandla’s Deendayal Port, where an impressive 26,000 acres of land are poised to be dedicated to green hydrogen projects. This substantial commitment has piqued the interest of over 15 firms, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for green hydrogen in India’s energy landscape.
The approach to these projects follows a landlord model, where port authorities retain ownership of the land, while private enterprises develop common infrastructure. Private players will oversee the intricacies of hydrogen storage, production, and sales. Kandla alone anticipates an investment exceeding ₹700 crore (approximately $93 million USD) for its green hydrogen park.
The momentum doesn’t stop there. Tuticorin, now known as VO Chidambarnar Port, has already leased approximately 224 acres of land to ACME Cleantech Solutions for green hydrogen and green ammonia production. The estimated investments in this endeavor are staggering, projected to exceed ₹52,000 crore (about $6.9 billion USD). ReNew Power has also secured a 10-acre lease at VO Chidambarnar for its green hydrogen initiatives. Both of these projects were among the impressive array of 20 companies that responded to the Expression of Interest (EoI) floated by the port.
While VO Chidambarnar takes the lead in leasing land for green hydrogen ventures, Kandla and Paradeep are actively working out the project details. The overwhelming response of more than 20 EoIs, mostly for Kandla, underscores the immense enthusiasm and potential within the sector.
The Ministry of Ports has set an ambitious deadline of 2030 for the establishment of green hydrogen bunkering and refueling facilities across the three major ports. Looking further ahead, the long-term vision includes extending these facilities to all 12 major ports in India by 2035.
