In recent times, the world has been fervently seeking sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to meet its energy demands. The southern Indian state of Kerala has emerged as a hotbed of innovation, as it receives exciting proposals from two major companies intending to establish green hydrogen and green ammonia production plants.
These visionary projects not only aim to meet domestic energy needs but also have significant potential for export, making Kerala a front-runner in the green energy revolution.
One of the companies has set its sights on exporting an impressive one lakh tonnes of green ammonia to Germany from the Vizhinjam Adani port. The project’s uniqueness lies in its ambitious plan to create an integrated renewable energy system capable of providing round-the-clock (RTC) energy to the green ammonia plant. The company envisions combining a solar installation with a pumped hydro storage facility, marking the first-of-its-kind initiative in Kerala. This integration will not only support the ammonia plant but also provide valuable assistance to the state power utilities during peak demand periods.
The proposed renewable energy pumped-storage power plant will have a solar capacity of 1,200 MW, combined with a pumped hydro storage plant of 1,500 MW/12,000 MWh capacity. Such an arrangement ensures uninterrupted power supply, as excess solar energy can be stored and utilized when solar generation is insufficient. The Kerala State Electricity Board is on board with the vision, and the estimated investment for this groundbreaking project stands at Rs 22,061 crore. Preliminary identification and analysis of potential sites have already been carried out.
The green ammonia production facility will boast an annual output of 2,00,000 tonnes, offering a substantial boost to Kerala’s economy and sustainable energy initiatives. The 1,200-MW solar capacity combined with a 1,500 MW/12,000 MWh pumped hydro storage plant will provide the necessary power to drive this eco-friendly venture. Such large-scale green ammonia production will not only cater to domestic needs but also have immense potential for export, boosting India’s clean energy standing in the global market.
The second company is equally enthusiastic about contributing to Kerala’s green revolution. With a planned investment of Rs 8,763 crore, the company aims to set up a 252-MW electrolyser plant alongside a green hydrogen and ammonia generation facility. The produced green hydrogen and ammonia will be available for various purposes, including local consumption, government usage, refining industries, fertilizers, and even for potential export.
The project will be executed in phases, starting with the establishment of a 2-MW electrolyser and a five-tonnes-per-day ammonia production plant at a cost of Rs 800 million. The initial phase’s estimated expense stands at Rs 1,150 million, and upon completion, the production capacity will reach 36 kg per hour of green hydrogen and 288 kg per hour of ammonia. This marks a significant step towards reducing Kerala’s carbon footprint and enhancing its clean energy capabilities.
Kerala’s green hydrogen and ammonia projects represent a remarkable stride towards a greener and sustainable future. The state’s commitment to clean energy initiatives, backed by innovative proposals from major companies, has the potential to set an example for the entire nation and the world. As these projects move from planning to implementation, Kerala is on the brink of making a significant contribution to mitigating climate change and creating a cleaner planet for generations to come.
