Hydrogen Economy Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Hydrogengentech

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August 17, 2023by Digital Team HGPL0

Denso, a Toyota automotive parts supplier, has ambitious plans to bring its solid-oxide electrolyser (SOE) to the market by 2030, according to local reports. It is even suggested that the first sales could be finalized as early as 2025, as reported by Japanese newspaper Nikkei.

Earlier this year, Denso announced its intention to develop an in-house SOE and conducted the first demonstration at its Hirose plant in July. The primary objective of this demonstration was to partially displace the use of grey hydrogen, which is currently employed to remove solder oxide and enhance the joinability of power cards—essential components of inverters used in hybrid or electric vehicles.

The unique feature of Denso’s SOE lies in its capability to split water heated to 700°C into H2 and O2. This process requires less power to produce hydrogen compared to more mature alkaline and proton-exchange membrane technologies, which typically operate at a lower temperature of 60°C.

However, one of the challenges associated with SOEs is the need for an external heat source due to the extremely high water temperature requirement. Without a readily available exothermic industrial process or power source producing substantial steam, additional electricity is required to heat the electrolyser.

Denso has highlighted the importance of maintaining the high temperature in SOEs, as heat dissipation occurs rapidly in such systems due to the temperature difference with the surroundings. This necessitates extra energy to keep the system hot, while some of the water vapor passes through the system without undergoing the desired reaction.

To address these challenges, Denso has developed a structure that efficiently recovers exhaust heat while minimizing heat dissipation from the heat exchanger surface. Additionally, the company has implemented a system to re-circulate steam, utilizing technologies similar to those used in vehicle parts. Moreover, Denso’s design integrates heat insulation with the electrolyser cell, ensuring the entire system remains compact. This approach contrasts with the common practice of assembling these two components separately in most SOEs.

By aiming for a commercial launch of its solid-oxide electrolyser by 2030, Denso demonstrates its commitment to advancing green hydrogen production technology. The potential for first sales by 2025 underlines the company’s determination to bring sustainable energy solutions to the market at the earliest opportunity. As Denso continues to refine and optimize its SOE, the world eagerly anticipates the role this technology will play in driving the green hydrogen revolution forward.


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August 13, 2023by Digital Team HGPL0

JSW Energy, a subsidiary of the Indian conglomerate JSW, is on track to commission what could potentially be India’s largest green hydrogen plant within the next 18 to 24 months. The facility, located in the northern state of Rajasthan, will utilize 25MW of renewable electricity to produce an annual volume of 3,800 tonnes of hydrogen. Although the electrolyser size is expected to be around 12MW, it will still be the largest in India upon commencement of operations.

JSW Energy’s CEO, Prashant Jain, reported that the company has already identified the site for the plant and is in the final stages of obtaining necessary incentives and approvals from the government of Rajasthan. The project is slated to be commissioned by March 2025, and discussions and negotiations for the machinery and other aspects of the plant are ongoing.

JSW Steel, one of India’s major players in the steel industry, has agreed to procure the hydrogen produced by the plant for use in its Vijayanagar steelworks. Located in the southern state of Karnataka, the Vijayanagar steel plant is one of the world’s largest, boasting a production capacity of 12 million tonnes. The green hydrogen will play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and contribute to JSW Steel’s sustainability efforts.

JSW is actively exploring green hydrogen as a key component in its strategy to actively reduce carbon emissions. The adoption of new hydrogen technologies, such as carbon capture, is a vital part of their commitment to sustainability and a cleaner future. The company is also investing in electric arc furnaces, sourcing renewable electricity, and focusing on enhancing energy and process efficiencies. The long-term goal is to substantially reduce thermal coal usage by 2030, inching closer to a zero-emission thermal coal operation.

The iron and steel industry in India currently accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, releasing approximately 320 million tonnes of CO2 in 2022. To address this challenge, the Indian government has initiated steps towards green steel production, with plans to tender 4.5 billion rupees ($55 million) for pilot green steel plants. Additionally, discussions are underway to potentially mandate the use of green hydrogen in certain sectors, although no final decision has been made on this policy.

JSW Energy’s commitment to establishing the largest green hydrogen plant in India reflects the growing focus on sustainable practices and the pivotal role that green hydrogen can play in decarbonizing industries. As India seeks to achieve its climate goals and transition towards a greener energy landscape, initiatives like this mark a significant step in the right direction.


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August 12, 2023by Digital Team HGPL0

India, a nation committed to sustainability and clean energy, has made a significant stride towards a greener future by launching its first-ever green hydrogen subsidy auction. The government has set ambitious plans to support a maximum of 450,000 tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity. However, it is yet to publish a clear definition of what qualifies as ‘green’ hydrogen.

The auction, organized by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), has a capped capacity of 450,000 tonnes per year. Bidders will receive a maximum of 50 rupees ($0.60) per kilogram in the first year of operation, which will gradually reduce to 40 rupees/kg in the second year and 30 rupees/kg in the third and final year of the subsidy.

Divided into two “buckets,” the auction caters to biomass-based green hydrogen projects and facilities using various technologies for electrolysis. The biomass bucket has 40,000 tonnes per year of capacity, while the technology-agnostic bucket offers 410,000 tonnes of annual production capacity.

Bidders for each bucket will be selected based on the “least average incentive” until the capacity is fully allocated. Any remaining capacity in a bucket may be awarded to bidders from the other bucket if they meet the criteria.

Although previous documents hinted at the publication of a national green hydrogen standard, it has not been released yet by the SECI or the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy websites. It is believed that the standard may include limiting the carbon intensity of green hydrogen to 1kgCO2/kgH2 and requiring an entirely renewable energy source for electrolysis.

While biomass-based projects will not comply with the EU’s renewable H2 standards, which only cover renewable fuels of non-biological origin, it may still be a significant factor in India’s domestic supply of green hydrogen.

The SECI also has the authority to award only part of the requested capacity to bidders, allowing companies a seven-day refusal period before the capacity is offered to another company, with its own seven-day right of refusal.

As of now, no official announcement date has been set for the winning bidders of the subsidy auction.

Hydrogen Insight has reached out to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the SECI for further information on the green hydrogen standard and other details regarding the auction.

India’s first green hydrogen subsidy auction marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable and clean energy. By encouraging investment and innovation in green hydrogen production, India is signaling its dedication to creating a greener and more prosperous future for its citizens and the planet.


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August 10, 2023by Digital Team HGPL0

US engineering company Cummins and Indian conglomerate Tata are embarking on a joint venture to construct a large-scale factory in India, set to produce thousands of hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE) annually. The ambitious project, classified as a ‘mega-project,’ is eligible for subsidies from the eastern state of Jharkhand.

The manufacturing facility will be situated in the industrial city of Jamshedpur, within Jharkhand, where Tata currently operates an automobile factory and a massive steelworks. The factory’s primary focus will be the production of 4,000 hydrogen ICEs per year, catering mainly to heavy trucking applications. Additionally, the site will manufacture 10,000 battery systems and an undisclosed number of “fuel agnostic” engines.

Cummins is currently developing two versions of its new H2-ICE technology—a 6.7-liter and a 15-liter model—for medium-duty commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucking, respectively. The company believes that hydrogen combustion technology is the most practical choice for trucking applications.

No definitive timeline has been announced for the final investment decision or the commencement of commercial operations at the factory. It remains unclear whether the new facility will involve the conversion of existing capacity at Tata’s Jamshedpur plant or require an entirely new site.

The joint venture, known as TSPL Green Energy Solutions Private Limited (TGESPL), received approval from Hemant Soren, Chief Minister of Jharkhand, to proceed with the project over the weekend. The government has designated this venture as a “mega-project,” qualifying it for various subsidies offered to zero-emissions automakers under Jharkhand’s 2021 Industrial Policy. These subsidies include a 50% match funding by the state on capital investment up to 200 million rupees ($2.43 million) and several tax breaks, including a maximum 75% reduction on some of the project’s associated value-added tax (VAT) expenses.

Hydrogen Insight has reached out to Cummins to inquire about their plans to apply for subsidies as part of the joint venture. However, the company has not yet provided any official statement on the matter.

This initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in November 2022 between Tata Motors, Tata’s auto subsidiary, and Cummins. The agreement outlined their collaboration to manufacture and market Cummins’ new hydrogen ICE engine in India, as well as the company’s H2 fuel cell- and battery-powered electric powertrains. As part of this deal, India is expected to be among the first markets to receive Cummins’ H2 ICE engine, with production slated to begin in 2027.

In a previous exclusive interview with Hydrogen Insight, Jim Nebergall, the general manager of Cummins’ hydrogen engine business, highlighted India’s suitability as a market for hydrogen vehicles, particularly in heavy trucking. He emphasized that hydrogen fuel serves as an ideal solution for decarbonization, given the logistical challenges of wholesale electrification in the country.

Tata has also been actively integrating hydrogen-based technology into its other operations, recently employing H2 in a coal-fired blast furnace at its Jamshedpur steelworks.


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Introduction:
In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of transitioning towards cleaner and sustainable energy sources. In this regard, the emergence of green hydrogen as a potential game-changer has garnered significant attention. India, with its ambitious plans and commitment towards renewable energy, is poised to become a significant player in the global green hydrogen market.

In a recent statement, Hardeep Singh Puri, a prominent figure in India’s energy sector, emphasized India’s potential to be the epicenter for green hydrogen development. Let’s delve deeper into the implications of this statement and understand how India is positioning itself as a key player in the green hydrogen revolution.

India’s Renewable Energy Ambitions:
India has been actively pursuing its renewable energy ambitions, aiming to achieve a target of 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This ambitious goal encompasses various sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. However, in order to achieve a complete transition to clean energy, a reliable and sustainable energy storage solution is essential. This is where green hydrogen comes into play.

The Significance of Green Hydrogen:
Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. It offers a clean and sustainable alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen can be stored, transported, and utilized across multiple sectors, including transportation, industrial processes, and power generation. Its versatility and potential to decarbonize various sectors make it a key enabler of a sustainable energy future.

India’s Green Hydrogen Potential:
India, with its abundant solar and wind resources, holds immense potential for green hydrogen production. The government, recognizing this potential, has initiated several measures to promote green hydrogen development. The National Hydrogen Mission, launched as part of India’s comprehensive energy strategy, aims to establish a hydrogen ecosystem encompassing production, storage, and utilization. Additionally, collaborations with international partners and the private sector are being fostered to drive research, development, and deployment of green hydrogen technologies.

Advantages of India’s Positioning:
India’s position as the epicenter for green hydrogen development offers several advantages. Firstly, the country’s large domestic market provides a significant opportunity for scaling up green hydrogen projects. The demand for clean energy solutions is rapidly increasing, and green hydrogen can meet the needs of diverse sectors, including transportation, industrial processes, and power generation.

Secondly, India’s cost advantage in renewable energy deployment can be leveraged for green hydrogen production. The declining costs of solar and wind power, coupled with advancements in electrolyzer technology, are making green hydrogen increasingly cost-competitive. India’s expertise in renewable energy deployment can drive down the costs of green hydrogen production, making it more accessible and commercially viable.

Thirdly, India’s potential to export green hydrogen can position the country as a major global player in the hydrogen market. With growing international demand for clean energy solutions, India can leverage its green hydrogen capabilities to become an exporter of this valuable resource, contributing to both economic growth and global sustainability goals.

India’s ambition to become the epicenter for green hydrogen development reflects its commitment to a sustainable and clean energy future. With abundant renewable energy resources, a growing domestic market, and a favorable policy environment, India is well-positioned to drive the green hydrogen revolution. The government’s focus on promoting research, development, and deployment, along with collaborations with international partners, will accelerate the growth of the green hydrogen ecosystem in the country. As India emerges as a prominent player in the global green hydrogen market, it will contribute significantly to achieving global climate targets while fostering economic growth and energy independence.


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Hydrogen Gentech Private Limited (HGPL), an international technology based company specializing in hydrogen generation plants, has recently secured a noteworthy Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract from Hygenco India. The contract entails the development of a multi-megawatt scale green hydrogen facility in India, which will be owned and operated by Hygenco India. This ground-breaking project aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2,700 metric tons annually.

 

The selection of Hydrogen Gentech Private Limited (HGPL) for this project serves as a testament to the company’s exceptional EPC capabilities, enabling it to actively contribute to the establishment of top-tier, competitive, and cost-efficient green hydrogen facilities on behalf of its esteemed clientele. Company officials expressed their enthusiasm for this opportunity, emphasizing their commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.

Hydrogen Gentech Private Limited (HGPL)’s scope of work encompasses a comprehensive range of tasks, including detailed engineering, procurement, and the supply of the H2 purification unit, storage tanks, and various other equipment. Additionally, the company will be responsible for the erection and construction of the green hydrogen facility.

The significance of adopting green hydrogen, as highlighted in the National Hydrogen Mission document published by the Government of India, Green Hydrogen is deemed crucial for key industries such as steel, fertilizers, and refineries, particularly for a country like India that heavily relies on energy imports. By actively engaging in the development of green hydrogen facilities, Hydrogen Gentech Private Limited (HGPL) aligns itself with the national vision outlined in the government’s mission document.

Hydrogen Gentech Private Limited, headquartered in India, has established itself as a reputed manufacturer and supplier in the field of hydrogen generation plants. The company’s unwavering focus on green hydrogen generation, purification, recovery, storage solutions, and their application in various sectors including, renewable energy, fuel, and mobility solidifies its position as an industry leader.


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The Indian Army has taken a major step towards promoting sustainable energy by signing an MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) for the installation of a Green Hydrogen-based Micro Grid Power Plant project in the Northern borders. This initiative aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

 

Under the MoU, the Indian Army will provide land on lease for 25 years and commit to purchasing the generated power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The proposed project will be set up by NTPC on Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) Models at a mutually identified location in Eastern Ladakh. The project will involve the installation of a Solar Power Plant for the hydrolysis of water to produce Hydrogen. The Hydrogen produced will then be used to power fuel cells during non-solar hours, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based generator sets and contributing towards the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions.

This project is a significant milestone for the Indian Army, as it is the first government organization to enter into an agreement with NTPC REL for such a project. It sets the stage for similar projects in the future, promoting sustainable energy and reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative will not only benefit the environment but also help meet the energy requirements of the Indian Army in remote areas where there is no access to national/state grids.
Overall, the Indian Army’s decision to install a Green Hydrogen-based Micro Grid Power Plant project is a major step towards promoting sustainable energy in the country. The success of this project will pave the way for similar initiatives, encouraging other government organizations to adopt sustainable practices and contribute towards the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.



December 7, 2022by Digital Team HGPL0

India’s National Hydrogen Energy Mission, which was established in 2021, aims to make that nation a centre for environmentally friendly hydrogen by 2030, with a target of 5 million tonnes yearly. These lofty goals are hindered by unsolved infrastructure obstacles, a lack of sufficient incentives, and insufficient access to technologies.

“Investment in hydrogen grid networks is required to successfully incorporate these as the major source for mainstream companies. Future hydrogen projects may run the danger of failing due to a lack of green hydrogen infrastructure for storage, transport, and production. Since hydrogen is currently generated and used in the same place, building common infrastructure and clusters of demand and consumption would be necessary to achieve economies of scale for big green hydrogen facilities and the development of the hydrogen economy. 

According to Prof. S Dasappa, Chair of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Innovation, “Industry, government, and investors need to work together to create an environment where innovation is encouraged, where market demand is posted, and where collaboration between different players in the supply chain is also encouraged.” These comments were made by Prof. Dasappa at the International Climate Summit 2022, which took place in Bergen, Norway, on August 30 and 31, and had as its theme “Opportunities for Green Hydrogen in India.” 

The Norwegian partnership was represented by Greenstat, Arena H2Cluster, and the Norwegian Hydrogen Forum, while the Indian partnership was represented by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Invest India. 

Prof Dasappa said that The government policies need to cover the entire value chain of hydrogen from demand creation to supply and to market enablers such as infrastructure and supply chain development. 

Alok Sharma, Executive Director at Center for High Technology (CHT) and Treasurer of Hydrogen Association of India said that The natural gas industry is considering adding hydrogen to natural gas for use in transportation and as a fuel for cooking. As part of India’s national hydrogen mission to determine the technological and economic viability of mixing hydrogen in city gas distribution networks, the Gas Authority of India has begun injecting hydrogen into natural gas supplied to houses for cooking purposes in central India.

 Similar studies are said to have been conducted in the UK, where it may be decided to blend 20% hydrogen with home natural gas by the winter of 2023. Such actions result in their starting conditions. The use of green hydrogen as a sustainable natural gas, however, would be very beneficial.



December 7, 2022by Digital Team HGPL0

The state currently needs about 0.9 million tonnes of hydrogen per year, mainly for the manufacturing of nitrogenous fertilizers. The policy concentrates on the chemical, fertilizer, and refinery industries in an effort to move the state toward a green hydrogen economy. For the following five years, the policy will be in force.

Additionally, by 2028, the state hopes to blend 20% green hydrogen into all hydrogen used by its existing fertilizer and refinery units. The draft policy suggests a capital expenditure subsidy in 2024 equal to 60% of the electrolyzer’s cost. The minimum capacity needed to be eligible for the subsidy is 50 MW or more. The financial incentive from the state government will be cut in half to 20% by 2027.

Additionally, a state-level committee will be established to take care of all the obligations, including the monitoring and evaluation of the policy. Additionally, the plan calls for providing R&D facilities and companies with the one-time financial support of 30% for the procurement of technology up to a maximum of Rs 50 million.

A skill-development program will be supported by the center in order to strengthen state capabilities and get the workforce ready for the transition to green hydrogen and ammonia.

The move is a precursor to rolling out the final policy that would aim to make Uttar Pradesh a 100% green hydrogen/ammonia-consuming state by 2035. Turning the state into a leading green hydrogen/ammonia producer is another objective.

The policy would also promote green hydrogen/ammonia production, market creation, and demand aggregation.

“The state envisions to promote green hydrogen/ammonia as the foundational pillar for the green energy transition in UP and make the state ready for a net-zero economy in the future,” says the draft policy that was put in the public domain by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), the nodal agency for the purpose.

The policy will focus primarily on two major hydrogen/ammonia demand centers in Uttar Pradesh – nitrogenous (N) fertilizers and the refinery sector. It will also cover other emerging industries and applications of green hydrogen in the future.

Incentives provided in the “Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy 2017”, such as exemption of stamp duty, tax reimbursement, capital interest subsidy, infrastructure interest subsidy, and electricity duty will be applicable to new green hydrogen/ammonia investments and expansion of existing fertilizer units in the state.



November 19, 2022by Digital Team HGPL0

According to two officials aware of the development, the government has selected 10 potential states that might serve as important facilitators for India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission by facilitating the production of green hydrogen. Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal are some of these.

The Indian government has identified states which have the potential to become green hydrogen manufacturing hubs. These are the states most likely to have green hydrogen or ammonia manufacturing zones or clusters, which will aid India in the early years of its National Green Hydrogen Mission.

These states have been chosen based on the refineries, ports, and steel and fertilizer industries, as well as the current and potential renewable energy generation capacity in the areas. As another industry that can offtake green hydrogen, we have also integrated the city gas distribution network at some locations, according to a senior official in the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE).

On November 2, during the first day of the three-day Invest Karnataka 2022 – Global Investors Meet, the Karnataka government signed a set of agreements totaling Rs 5.20 lakh crore. The Karnataka government intends to create India’s first green hydrogen manufacturing cluster or zone through the use of Rs 5.20 lakh crore, of which Rs 2.9 lakh crore will be invested in the green hydrogen and derivatives industry alone.

The nation’s top producer of steel, Odisha, has also made the decision to promote the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia. Steel production can be done more sustainably by employing green hydrogen, which is produced by splitting water using solar and wind energy.

Additionally, this can lessen the industry’s reliance on imported coking coal. The state is presenting itself to investors as a center for the export of green hydrogen in addition to having several important ports and creating new ones. 6,000 square kilometers of land parcels in Banaskantha and Kutch in Gujarat have been set aside solely for hydrogen projects in the state.

Tamil Nadu has given the ACME Group permission to invest Rs 52,474 crore in a green hydrogen and ammonia project. The proposed facility would feature a 1.5 GW electrolyzer, a 5 GW solar power plant, and 1.1 million tonnes of ammonia production capacity. It also includes research and development work, pilot projects, enabling policies and regulations, and infrastructure development.