Four global energy leaders—Amplus Ganges Solar, Sembcorp Industries’ Green Infra Renewable Energy, Acme Green Hydrogen and Chemicals, and ReNew E-Fuels—are set to spearhead India’s green hydrogen ambitions in Tamil Nadu. The initiative, located at VO Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi, is expected to attract ₹41,860 crore in its first phase, with commissioning planned for 2028, according to a Business Standard report.
Thoothukudi: A Key Green Hydrogen Hub
Thoothukudi is one of three planned green hydrogen hubs under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. The other hubs are Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat, and Paradip Port in Odisha. Kandla and Thoothukudi are expected to be the first to take off. According to VOC Port Authority Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit, 501 acres of land have already been allocated to four firms driving the Thoothukudi initiative.
Purohit stated, “The first phase of green hydrogen production is expected to commence by 2028.” Additionally, the government has allocated funds to establish a green hydrogen bunkering facility, scheduled for completion by December 2025.
Technology Demonstrator to Lead the Way
To kickstart the initiative, the VOC Port will commission a green hydrogen plant as a technology demonstrator by mid-February. This facility will produce 8 kilograms of green hydrogen daily, providing insights into production, storage, and transportation. The lessons learned will inform larger-scale operations in the coming years.
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Renewable Energy Investments at VOC Port
The VOC Port also aims to generate 8 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy—6 MW from solar and 2 MW from wind—to meet its energy requirements entirely through renewable sources. The green hydrogen ecosystem is expected to attract ₹50,000 crore in investments to the port area, excluding renewable energy-related projects.
National Green Hydrogen Mission Goals
Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy, is central to India’s clean energy future. Unveiling the road map last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, requiring investments of $100 billion. The hubs at Thoothukudi, Kandla, and Paradip will be instrumental in achieving this ambitious target.
This report was first published by Business Standard.
