India’s First Port-Based Green Hydrogen Project
India has taken a major step towards clean energy with the launch of its first port-based green hydrogen pilot project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable port operations. It aligns with national goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission and the Sagarmala programme.
Green Hydrogen Pilot Project
The pilot facility produces green hydrogen with a capacity of 10 Nm³ per hour. Established at a cost of ₹3.87 crore, it powers streetlights and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station within the port colony. This initiative marks VOC Port as the first Indian port to generate green hydrogen onsite. The project supports India’s clean energy transition and the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin.
Green Methanol Bunkering Facility
Alongside the hydrogen project, a foundation was laid for a Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility. This facility will have a capacity of 750 m³ and cost ₹35.34 crore. It will make VOC Port a key hub for green bunkering in South India, promoting sustainable fuel use in shipping.
Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Developments
The port also expanded its renewable energy capacity with a 400 KW rooftop solar plant, bringing total rooftop solar power to 1.04 MW—the highest among Indian ports. Additional infrastructure projects include a ₹24.5 crore link conveyor to improve coal handling efficiency by 0.72 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). Foundations were laid for a 6 MW wind farm, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, a 3.37 km four-lane road, and a maritime heritage museum.
VOC Port’s Strategic Importance
VOC Port, located in Tuticorin on the Coromandel Coast, is one of India’s 13 major ports. It plays a vital role in regional trade, coal handling, and container movement. Renamed in honour of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar, the port has seen transformative growth under the Sagarmala programme with over ₹16,000 crore invested in modernisation and capacity enhancement.
Alignment with National Missions
These projects support the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which emphasises speed, scale, sustainability, and self-reliance. The aim is to position India among the world’s top shipbuilding nations by 2030 and further by 2047. The initiatives are expected to generate employment, attract global investments and enhance Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s economic growth.
Collaborations and Future Prospects
Memorandums of Understanding were signed between VOC Port and Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd for rail connectivity to the Outer Harbour project. Another MoU with NTPC focuses on green mobility initiatives at the port. These collaborations will strengthen infrastructure and sustainability efforts.
| Related | |
|---|---|
