Himachal Pradesh Pioneers Green Hydrogen with North India's First Plant
Key Ideas
- Himachal Pradesh initiates the first 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant in North India at Dabhota to reduce carbon emissions.
- The plant, a collaboration between HPPCL and Oil India Limited, will utilize renewable energy sources and electrolysis for green hydrogen production.
- With a production capacity of 423 kg per day, the project aligns with Himachal's goal to become India's first green state by 2026, leveraging its hydro and solar power potential.
- The initiative, part of an MoU with Oil India Limited, aims to contribute to a cleaner energy ecosystem by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving zero carbon footprint.
In a noteworthy development towards sustainable energy practices, Himachal Pradesh has taken a pioneering step by establishing North India's inaugural Green Hydrogen Plant at Dabhota in Nalagarh. The 1 MW plant, inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, is a strategic move in line with Himachal's ambition to lead as India's first green state by 2026. The collaboration between Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and Oil India Limited will see the development of this project at a cost of ₹9.04 crore, with a timeline aiming for operational status within a year.
The project, spanning 4,000 square meters, will harness renewable energy sources for hydrogen production. By employing electrolysis using alkaline potassium hydroxide, the plant will have a daily production capacity of 423 kg of green hydrogen. Noteworthy is the minimal water consumption of 13 liters per kg of hydrogen, sourced sustainably from underground reserves. Additionally, the plant's energy consumption of 52.01 units of electricity per kg of hydrogen underscores its commitment to sustainable practices.
Himachal Pradesh's robust renewable energy portfolio, boasting a hydro-power potential of 27,000 MW and an upcoming 150 MW solar capacity addition, fortifies its green energy aspirations. This initiative forms a crucial part of the state's broader sustainability roadmap, outlined in the MoU with Oil India Limited, focusing on green hydrogen, solar energy, geothermal energy, and compressed biogas. The project's environmental benefits are substantial, with zero carbon emissions and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing India's green energy objectives.
This strategic leap towards green hydrogen not only positions Himachal Pradesh as a frontrunner in sustainable energy adoption but also sets a positive trajectory for North India's renewable energy landscape. With a fervent commitment to cleaner energy solutions and tangible steps towards achieving carbon neutrality, Himachal's foray into green hydrogen marks a significant milestone in the country's green energy transition.