Driving Green Steel: National Green Hydrogen Mission Initiates Pilot Projects in India
Key Ideas
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission in India aims to promote self-reliance in clean energy by incorporating green hydrogen in steel production.
- Three pilot projects have been sanctioned to explore advanced technologies, safety, feasibility, and economic viability of green hydrogen in steelmaking processes.
- The projects, supported by the Government with Rs. 347 crore, involve collaborations with various companies and institutions and are expected to be operational in the next three years.
The Union Government of India has initiated three pilot projects as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission to investigate the integration of hydrogen in steel production processes. Launched in January 2023 with a significant budget allocation of Rs. 19,744 crores, the mission is geared towards establishing India as self-reliant in clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels to combat climate change. The primary objectives of the pilot projects include identifying suitable technologies, ensuring the safe operation of green hydrogen-based steelmaking, validating technical feasibility and performance, and evaluating economic viability.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has given the green light to three projects. Matrix Gas and Renewables Ltd, in collaboration with Gensol Engineering Ltd, IIT Bhubaneswar, and Metsol AB, Sweden, aims to operate a plant with a capacity of 50 tons per day. Similarly, Simplex Castings Ltd, partnering with BSBK Pvt. Ltd., Ten Eight Investment, and IIT Bhilai, will set up a plant with a capacity of 40 TPD. Additionally, Steel Authority of India Ltd in Ranchi is planning a plant with a substantial capacity of 3200 TPD.
The government's financial support of Rs. 347 crore underscores its commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology in the steel sector. These pilot projects are anticipated to be functional within the next three years, with a focus on driving innovation, sustainability, and energy independence in India's steel industry.