The Hydrogen Stream: India’s Uttar Pradesh receives INR 1.15 lakh crore investment proposals from 17 firms for green hydrogen production
Uttar Pradesh aims for a green hydrogen/green ammonia production capacity of 1 million metric tonnes per annum by 2029. The state has received investment proposals worth INR 1.15 lakh crore, creating 20,000 jobs. Major investors include Trafalgar Square Capital, Welspun Group, and Hygenco Green Energies, with projects focusing on reducing emissions in the chemicals, fertilizers, and refineries sectors.
The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh targets green hydrogen/green ammonia production capacity of 1 million metric tonne per annum (mmtpa) by the year 2029. The state government has received investment proposals amounting to close to INR 1.15 lakh crore (over $13.7 billion) from 17 different entities for producing green hydrogen/green ammonia generating employment opportunities for around 20,000 people in the State.
Among the key players, UK-based Trafalgar Square Capital has committed to establishing a 10,000-tonnes-per-annum green hydrogen production facility near Lucknow. In addition, Indian textile giant Welspun Group is planning to invest INR 40,000 crore in a green hydrogen and green ammonia plant in the Bulandshahr district. Another Indian firm, Hygenco Green Energies has expressed interest in setting up a 0.2 million-tonne green hydrogen facility in Prayagraj, with an investment of INR 16,000 crore.
The Uttar Pradesh government is looking to aggressively push the production of green hydrogen, particularly in the chemicals, fertilisers and refineries sectors, to reduce industrial emissions. As part of the ‘Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy 2024’, the state government has rolled out a series of administrative and financial incentives with a view to not only promote green hydrogen/ammonia production but also facilitate market creation and boost demand aggregation.
Anupam Shukla, director, Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) said, “Our initial emphasis will be on the use of hydrogen in nitrogenous fertilisers and refinery industries in the State. Subsequently, we will also look at application of green hydrogen in other emerging industries in line with the National Green Hydrogen Mission. One of our key aims will be to reduce the cost of green hydrogen production by encouraging research and innovation in production and consumption technologies.”
NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL) and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL) have signed a joint venture agreement to develop green energy and green hydrogen projects in the Indian state of Rajasthan. RVUNL is the state-owned power generation company managing thermal and hydroelectric stations in Rajasthan.
The JV company will develop 25 GW of renewable energy projects and 1 mmtpa of green hydrogen/derivatives in Rajasthan.
Ballard Power Systems has announced a global restructuring to cut corporate spending due to “a slowdown in hydrogen infrastructure development and delayed fuel cell adoption.” CEO Randy MacEwen said that the Vancouver-based PEM fuel cell producer expects the changes to yield “annualized total operating expense savings in excess of 30%,” with most savings realized by 2025. The restructuring includes workforce reductions and a “rationalization” of product development programs.
Forvia said it will supply Hyvia with complete hydrogen storage systems for the New Renault Master H2-Tech, unveiled at IAA Transportation 2024. “With four plants dedicated to mass production, we are delivering these advanced solutions at scale,” said Yves Dumoulin, senior vice-president hydrogen solutions at Forvia. “In 2023, we successfully delivered 11,000 H2 tanks to our customers for mobility applications.” The system features up to five second-generation composite carbon fiber tanks, capable of holding up to 9 kg of hydrogen. Hyvia is a joint venture between Renault Group and Plug Power.
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) said that “North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train” will begin service in California by the end of the year. The “Zemu” train uses hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to operate and power its onboard systems. Swiss train manufacturer Stadler built the train.
The European Commission has said that the European Union will provide ZAR 628 million ($35.6 million) to support the sustainable development of green hydrogen value chains in South Africa, “in line with the country’s priorities of adding value to the domestic economy and ramping up its green industrialization.”
The Scottish government has announced up to GBP 7 million ($9.24 million) to support development costs for green hydrogen projects with capacities of 5 MW to 400 MW. “Organizations have until the end of the month to apply for a maximum of GBP 2 million of match-funding from the scheme,” said the government. The submission deadline is Sept. 27.
H-Tec Systems said it will supply a 1 MW PEM electrolyzer ME 450 for a green hydrogen project on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura. “The project is driven by the company IR Maxoinversiones and aims to decarbonize mobility on the island,” said the company.
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