Oracle Power PLC has announced the successful completion of its technical and commercial feasibility study for a groundbreaking green hydrogen and green ammonia project in Pakistan. This milestone project, driven by Oracle Energy Limited, a joint venture company, is poised to revolutionize the energy landscape by harnessing renewable resources to produce green hydrogen.
The project’s primary goal is to establish a state-of-the-art green hydrogen production facility with a staggering capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) and an annual production output of 55,000 tonnes of green hydrogen. Situated strategically in the wind-rich region of Sindh in southern Pakistan, the project’s execution involves the utilization of 700MW of solar and 500MW of wind power to power green hydrogen production.
The feasibility study was conducted meticulously, considering several vital factors. The required power input for producing approximately 140 tonnes/day of green hydrogen was determined to be a net capacity of 360MW of electrolysis. This step underscores the project’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology for sustainable hydrogen production.
Furthermore, the study encompassed a comprehensive techno-economic modeling exercise, estimating operational expenditures (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX), the overall chemical plant’s processes and layout, project timeline, technology insights, and the carbon footprint of the entire hydrogen value chain.
One of the remarkable aspects of the study was its evaluation of various production scenarios, including gaseous and liquid hydrogen production, ammonia synthesis and cracking, optimal locations for renewable and chemical plants, and efficient water sourcing for green hydrogen and green ammonia production. This comprehensive approach ensures that the project is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally conscious.
The study didn’t stop at domestic considerations. It extended its scope to assess the potential of exporting green hydrogen and green ammonia to international markets, including China, Japan, Korea, and Europe. Such global aspirations underline the project’s ambition to contribute significantly to the emerging green hydrogen economy on a global scale.
Dr. Naveed Akhtar, a prominent figure in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry and Chief of Technology (Hydrogen) for Oracle, expressed optimism regarding the study’s results. He noted that the outcomes align with industry expectations, reflecting the project’s potential to be a game-changer in the green hydrogen landscape.
With the successful conclusion of the feasibility study, Oracle Energy is now set to enter negotiations for firm offtake agreements with select partners and finalize discussions on joint ventures and equity partnerships. Additionally, the team is diligently planning the next steps, which include front-end engineering and design (FEED) work for various facets of the project, such as the hydrogen production facility, hydrogen compression, liquefaction and storage facility, ammonia synthesis, and cracking facility. These milestones will pave the way for the project’s pre-final Investment Decision (FID) stage.
Naheed Memon, CEO of Oracle, emphasized the significance of this feasibility study in de-risking the project and streamlining its development. The study’s endorsement by ThyssenKrupp Uhde, a renowned expert in plant development, adds a layer of credibility to the project, inspiring confidence among prospective partners.
