Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has initiated the process to establish its inaugural green hydrogen generation plant in Panipat, with a remarkable capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum (KTA). This pioneering project is set to materialize within the next 30 months, heralding a significant advancement in India’s pursuit of a net-zero emissions trajectory.
Marking a pivotal juncture in India’s journey to net-zero emissions by 2070, a commitment outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, the IOCL’s ambitious endeavor holds the potential to reshape the country’s energy landscape. Green hydrogen, hailed as a cornerstone in India’s renewable transformation, aims to supplant the current reliance on hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, catapulting the nation into an era of sustainable energy production.
The IOCL, a prominent player in India’s energy sector, owns and operates an impressive portfolio of 11 refineries across the nation. Boasting a refining capacity of 80.7 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) or 1.6 million barrels per day, the IOCL’s dominance is evident. Additionally, an extensive network of over 14,000 km of pipelines underscores the corporation’s prowess in crude oil and product transportation.
The strategic location for IOCL’s new green hydrogen unit is nestled between the Panipat Refinery and the Panipat Naphtha Cracker area, within the IOCL-owned premises. This strategic choice places the new unit at the heart of the Panipat Refinery Complex, facilitating seamless integration with the existing hydrogen network. The successful bidder will be entrusted with the vital task of ensuring a steady supply of gaseous green hydrogen to IOCL, further solidifying the corporation’s commitment to renewable energy.
The envisaged green hydrogen unit will encompass a generation capacity of 1,250 kg per hour, operating round the clock on a consistent basis. This monumental feat is geared towards not only meeting the burgeoning demand for hydrogen but also channeling green hydrogen produced using renewable power sources. The IOCL’s visionary approach extends to leveraging the existing hydrogen infrastructure, amplifying the integration of green hydrogen with the Panipat Refinery’s framework.
Furthermore, IOCL’s Panipat Refinery, already a substantial 15.0 MMTPA facility, is undergoing expansion to elevate its refining capacity to an impressive 25 MMPTA. This expansion aligns seamlessly with India’s Auto Fuel Policy 2025, a testament to IOCL’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
As IOCL unfurls its green hydrogen ambitions, the energy sector braces itself for transformation. With India’s net-zero emissions goal on the horizon, IOCL’s resolute pursuit of sustainable energy solutions underscores its status as a torchbearer in the nation’s transition to a greener, more resilient future.
