Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has released a Request for Selection (RfS) document aimed at identifying electrolyzer manufacturers (EM) within the country.
The purpose of this selection process is to build manufacturing capacities for electrolyzers under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme, Tranche-I. This initiative, requiring potential bidders to pay document and bid processing fees, is part of a broader strategy to promote domestic manufacturing and the production of green hydrogen.
Electrolyzers play a crucial role in the production of green hydrogen, a sustainable energy source with the potential to significantly reduce global carbon emissions. By using electrical energy—ideally sourced from renewable generators—electrolyzers split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, providing a zero-emission source of hydrogen. With green hydrogen being increasingly touted as a potential ‘fuel of the future’, the production of electrolyzers is becoming a critical industry for countries dedicated to sustainability and clean energy.
Under the scope of this initiative, SECI is inviting bids in two distinct categories: one for electrolyzer manufacturing capacity based on any stack technology, and another for capacity reliant on indigenously developed stack technology. By doing so, the SECI is providing a platform for a variety of technologies, thus encouraging innovation and diversity within the sector. The total capacity being offered for bidding is divided into two segments: 1200 MW for the first category and 300 MW for the second.
Potential bidders have the opportunity to submit a single bid for a bid capacity in each category, with a maximum bid capacity of 300 MW. Those awarded capacity in the first category could also be considered for the indigenously developed stack technology category under certain conditions. The deadline for bid submissions has been set for September 5, 2023, with the bid opening date scheduled for September 8, 2023.
This move by the SECI represents a significant step forward in India’s journey toward a greener future. By promoting domestic manufacturing and production of electrolyzers, the government is not only fostering local industry but also making strides in achieving its renewable energy targets. The emphasis on indigenously developed stack technology underlines India’s commitment to homegrown innovation and technological independence in the crucial green energy sector.
India’s strategic vision for green hydrogen and its investment in electrolyzer manufacturing provides a blueprint for other developing nations. This forward-thinking approach to renewable energy infrastructure indicates a promising future for India and a potential path to leadership in the green hydrogen economy.
