The Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, Gujarat, has received 13 expressions of interest (EoI) to a global call for applications to develop a green hydrogen hub at the port.

At a meeting to review the progress of various maritime activities by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), presided over by Ports and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, it was revealed that the EoI is for 7 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) of green ammonia production, catering to a global demand of 1.4 MMTPA of green hydrogen.

The meeting was also told that the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu had allocated 500 acres of land for a green hydrogen hub at the port. It had signed a memorandum of understanding with NTPC Green Energy to develop a green hydrogen/derivative production facility. A proposal for a grant for infrastructure support had been submitted to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The Ports and Shipping Ministry has planned a series of initiatives to ‘green’ India’s ports and maritime infrastructure. The priority would be to prioritize cutting greenhouse gas emissions to make the Indian maritime sector sustainable.

The ministry is also developing the Paradip Port in Odisha as a hydrogen hub, with the goal of handling, storing, and producing green hydrogen to achieve a 60% share of renewable energy in total power demand and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled by 2030.

Last November, the government launched the National Center of Excellence for Green Port and Shipping with a mandate to help major ports in the country source as much as 60% of their energy demand from renewable sources (solar and wind). Currently, less than 10% of the total energy demand for major ports is met by green energy.

Indian ports aim to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 per ton of cargo handled. India is already supplying shore power to ships with a power demand of less than 150 kW at present and is targeting to supply shore power to all visiting vessels.