India is positioning itself as a pivotal green hydrogen refueling hub for the shipping industry, with Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh declaring that the global shipping sector will embrace green technology within the next decade.
Speaking at the ‘Green hydrogen pilots in India’ conference organized by NTPC Ltd, Minister Singh emphasized the need for India to be prepared to serve as a refueling destination for the incoming fleet of green ships, offering them cost-effective access to green hydrogen and other eco-friendly fuels.
“Globally, shipping will go green within 10 years. So, we have to emerge as a refuelling destination for all green ships, since we can provide them green hydrogen or green ammonia or whatever fuel they want at the lowest cost,” Minister Singh asserted.
Preparing for this ambitious transition, Singh outlined plans to establish bunkers at shipyards and launch pilot programs for green shipping in India. Collaborative discussions with the Ministry of Shipping are already underway to make these initiatives a reality.
Notably, the minister revealed that the roadmap for research and development (R&D) for India’s national green hydrogen mission is nearly finalized and will soon be unveiled. This roadmap will provide a comprehensive framework for the development of a green hydrogen ecosystem in the country, covering various research areas.
Furthermore, Minister Singh highlighted the importance of regulations, codes, and standards in this endeavor. India has taken significant steps in this direction, with recommendations sent to agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) to adopt relevant standards. India has also introduced its Green Hydrogen Standard, which restricts carbon dioxide emissions to less than or equal to 2 kg per kg of hydrogen, ensuring that the green hydrogen produced is truly environmentally friendly.
Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, announced that the government has allocated Rs 1,466 crore for pilot projects under the green hydrogen mission, underscoring the nation’s commitment to this sustainable energy source.
Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of NTPC, emphasized the critical role of hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, in the future of energy. He highlighted that both the public and private sectors are actively implementing pilot projects in green hydrogen, a collective effort that will significantly contribute to the formulation of a robust green hydrogen ecosystem in India.
India’s ambitious steps towards becoming a green hydrogen refueling hub for ships not only align with global efforts to decarbonize the shipping sector but also reflect the nation’s commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions. This move positions India at the forefront of the green revolution in maritime transportation, with the potential to shape the future of shipping worldwide.
