Collaborative Innovation: The Key to India’s Ambitious Green Hydrogen Goals
India’s ambitious Green Hydrogen goals are encapsulated in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to establish an annual production capacity of 5 million tonnes by 2030. This mission represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence, and it is backed by a substantial investment of $2.3 billion. The success of these goals hinges on collaborative innovation, involving both public and private sectors. Key players in India are pivotal in driving technological advancements and infrastructure development, fostering a robust ecosystem for Green Hydrogen production and utilization. By leveraging these collaborations, India can not only achieve its domestic energy goals but also position itself as a global leader in the hydrogen economy. The National Green Hydrogen Mission: A Strategic Framework The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a key initiative by the Indian government aimed at advancing Green Hydrogen technologies and achieving energy self-reliance. With an allocation of $2.3 billion, the mission targets the establishment of an annual production capacity of 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by 2030. This substantial investment is expected to bolster India’s renewable energy sector, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and decrease dependency on fossil fuels. The mission’s comprehensive strategy includes incentives for Green Hydrogen production, electrolyser manufacturing, and infrastructure development, positioning India as a global leader in the hydrogen economy. Collaborative Efforts: Public and Private Sector Synergy Public-private partnerships are pivotal in driving India’s Green Hydrogen ambitions. Collaborations between government entities and private companies like Advait Infratech are accelerating innovation and infrastructure development. These partnerships facilitate the sharing of expertise, resources, and risks, fostering technological advancements and scaling up production capabilities. For instance, projects like the 300 kW Green Hydrogen Production plant at THDCIL in Rishikesh are clear indicators of the positive impact of such collaborations. By leveraging these synergies, India aims to build a robust Green Hydrogen ecosystem, paving the way for a sustainable and energy-secure future. State-Level Initiatives: Driving the Clean Energy Transition Maharashtra and Gujarat are leading the way in Green Hydrogen development with ambitious policies and projects. Maharashtra introduced the Green Hydrogen Policy 2023, encouraging investments and offering incentives for Green Hydrogen projects, including partnerships with companies like NTPC Green Energy Limited and MoUs worth over Rs 2,763 billion . Gujarat, known for its proactive energy policies, aims to produce 1 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030. The state has allocated 1.99 lakh hectares for Green Hydrogen projects and is developing a comprehensive policy to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 . These state-level initiatives complement the National Green Hydrogen Mission by fostering innovation, infrastructure development, and creating a conducive environment for private investments, thereby accelerating India’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Technological Innovations and Challenges Advances in electrolyser technology and hydrogen storage solutions are pivotal for the future of Green Hydrogen. Recent innovations have focused on improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of electrolysers. For example, strategies such as improved design, economies of scale, and the use of abundant materials have the potential to reduce the cost of electrolyser plants by up to 80% in the long term. However, economic challenges remain significant, particularly the high costs associated with production and infrastructure. To address these, collaborative efforts are underway to scale up production and enhance storage technologies, such as metal hydrides and liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Reducing production costs to around $1 per kilogram is a critical goal. Looking ahead, the technological roadmap includes further advancements in electrolyser efficiency, increased deployment of pilot projects, and the development of comprehensive infrastructure for storage and distribution. These efforts are essential for realizing the full potential of Green Hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Global Positioning and Export Potential India aims to position itself as a global hub for Green Hydrogen, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources. The National Green Hydrogen Mission outlines strategies to produce 5 million tonnes annually by 2030, aiming to reduce fossil fuel imports by $12 billion. India’s export strategies target markets in Europe and Asia, where demand for Green Hydrogen is rising. Comparatively, the EU and the US have also set ambitious Green Hydrogen goals, with the EU planning to produce 10 million tonnes by 2030 and the US investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure. India’s competitive edge lies in its low-cost renewable energy, essential for scaling up Green Hydrogen production. Conclusion Collaborative innovation is crucial for India to achieve its Green Hydrogen goals, uniting public and private sectors in technological advancements and infrastructure development. Through strategic partnerships and investments, India is paving the way to become a global leader in Green Hydrogen, promising a sustainable and energy-secure future.
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Budget 2024: For Developed India by 2047, Sitharaman banks on renewable & nuclear energy
The Budget 2024-25 makes way for private sector’s participation in the research and development of small modular nuclear reactors to boost India’s nuclear energy capacity Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made announcements related to nuclear energy production and private sector’s role in it in the Budget 2024 As the fastest-growing major economy that also sees itself as the leader of the Global South, India finds itself in a unique position where it has to balance consistent economic growth with climate change goals and set the example for the rest of the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set 2047 as the year when India would be a developed nation. That would need economic growth fuelled by mounting energy consumption. In the Budget 2024-25, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared renewable energy and nuclear power to be central to realising these objectives. Advertisement Sitharaman said that the Modi government will bring out a policy document to outline the path that India would take. She, however, did not give any timeline for the same. Sitharaman said, “In the interim budget, I had announced our strategy to sustain high and more resource-efficient economic growth, along with energy security in terms of availability, accessibility and affordability. We will bring out a policy document on appropriate energy transition pathways that balances the imperatives of employment, growth and environmental sustainability.” Such a policy document is a must for India’s energy transition as it will formally outline strategies and measures to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies, says Manoj Sinha, the Co-founder and CEO of Husk Power Systems. “The policy document mentioned in the Budget will provide a roadmap for India’s energy transition, outlining strategies and measures to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies, promote energy efficiency, and reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. By considering the socio-economic implications of the energy transition, the government aims to ensure a just and inclusive transition that benefits all segments of society,” says Sinha. Advertisement The future is renewable energy Sitharaman has banked on renewable energy, particularly solar energy, as the way forward. In her Budget speech, Sitharaman said that households as well as businesses need to be incentivised to adopt clean energy sources. For households, Sitharaman announced the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’. The scheme aims to install solar panels in households that would provide 300 units of free electricity. The surplus electricity would be sold to local utilities and that would also supplement household incomes. “In line with the announcement in the interim budget, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched to install rooftop solar plants to enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity up to 300 units every month. The scheme has generated remarkable response with more than 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications, and we will further encourage it,” said Sitharaman. Advertisement Moreover, the Union government had previously launched the ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’ (NGHM) a well. Even though Sitharaman did not mention in her speech on Tuesday, the NGHM has an outlay of Rs.17,490 crore. Of the allocation announced by January, the programme has an R&D fund of Rs 400 crore. The government’s allocated fund for the green hydrogen will work towards accelerating the development of green hydrogen, green ammonia, and carbon capture technologies and is a significant step in India’s journey towards net-zero emissions by 2070, says Rutvi Sheth, the Director of Advait Greenergy Private Limited. Push for businesses to go clean Sitharaman has announced that the government will incentivise industries, including traditional cluster-based micro and small enterprises (MSMEs), to move to cleaner fuels. Advertisement “An investment-grade energy audit of traditional micro and small industries in 60 clusters, including brass and ceramic, will be facilitated. Financial support will be provided for shifting them to cleaner forms of energy and implementation of energy efficiency measures. The scheme will be replicated in another 100 clusters in the next phase,” said Sitharaman in the budget speech. For ‘hard to abate’ industries, Sitharaman said that the government will set targets and appropriate regulations for transition of these industries from the current ‘Perform, Achieve and Trade’ mode to ‘Indian Carbon Market’ mode will be put in place. Sinha, the CEO of Husk Power Systems, tells Firstpost the focus on climate adaptation was a pleasant move. He said Sitharaman has taken a crucial step towards enhancing India’s climate action with energy-related announcements in the budget. Advertisement “I was very glad to hear the term ‘climate adaptation funding’ as it is a non-trivial way to look at financing renewable energy programs. I am hoping to see more clarity on this action and subsequently policies supporting climate adaptation projects as this will redefine the future of energy security for rural communities that bear the brunt of climate change,” says Sinha. Push for nuclear energy Of the total power generation in India, nuclear energy amounts to just 2.76 per cent, according to NITI Ayog, and coal still amounts to 75.82 per cent. The government plans to change this rapidly in the years ahead and experts have said for a long time that nuclear energy is the way forward as all other renewable energy sources —solar, wind, and hydropower— have severe limitations or environmental consequences. India, which otherwise have highly-sophisticated nuclear technologies, does not have a proactive nuclear sector. The sector is further warped in regulations that do not leave much scope for the private sector’s regulations. That may now change as Sitharaman announced the research and development of modular reactors with the private sector’s involvement in Budget 2024-25. Sitharaman said, “Nuclear energy is expected to form a very significant part of the energy mix for Viksit Bharat. Towards that pursuit, our government will partner with the private sector for, one, setting up Bharat Small Reactors, two, research and development of Bharat Small Modular Reactor, and, three, research and development of newer technologies for nuclear energy.” Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are smaller units that produce up to 300 megawatt electricity either for specific industrial uses
Post Budget 2024: Quotes from different sectors
Prof Sanket Goel, Dean, Research and Innovation (Institute-wide) and Professor, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus: “The budget is beaming with opportunities for both academia and industry which will further cultivate talent. The government has iterated its focus on developing India’s semiconductor manufacturing muscle by a substantial budget increase to ₹ 6,903 crore, which is more than twice than that from the preceding FY. There is immense potential for scientific progress in space technology in India which the government has rightly recognised by allocating ₹ 1,000 crore for space research. Also, the removal of angel tax for start-ups will encourage sustainable development and new business opportunities. A 15% tariff cut on electronics will boost manufacturing and make technology more accessible, while investment in skills development, including internships for 1 million students and the establishment of 12 industrial parks, will provide vital training and job opportunities and prepare youth for future challenges. Additionally, an investment of ₹ 3 lakh in women-led sectors will empower women entrepreneurs and promote inclusive growth. Together, these measures represent a strong commitment to fostering innovation, economic growth, and youth empowerment.” Professor Manish Gangwar, Indian School of Business, Executive Director-ISB Institute of Data Science: “The Union Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stands out for its strong emphasis on job creation. Through a series of innovative schemes and forward-thinking policies, this budget aims to generate substantial employment opportunities and address the existing skill gap in the workforce. A key highlight is the introduction of three “Employment Linked Incentive Schemes” designed to provide direct financial support to both employees and employers. These schemes include support for first-time employees, incentives for manufacturing sector jobs, and financial reimbursement for employers hiring additional staff.Recognizing the critical role of skill development and practical training in enhancing employability and productivity, the budget emphasizes the upgradation of ITIs and internships in top companies. Over the next five years, 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) will be upgraded, focusing on improving outcomes and quality. Additionally, 1 crore youth will gain valuable on-the-job experience through internships in top companies. The budget also plans to develop investment-ready “plug and play” industrial parks in or near 100 cities to stimulate job creation and a conducive environment for businesses to set up operations and generate jobs. The Union Budget 2024 is a forward-looking plan. By introducing targeted employment schemes, enhancing skill development programs, and developing industrial parks, the government aims to not only provide immediate employment opportunities but also focus on a skilled and resilient workforce for the future to drive India’s long-term economic growth.” Amit Goyal, Regional Managing Director, South Asia, Project Management Institute: “The government has presented a very meaningful budget touching all segments of citizens and sectors to create a roadmap to Viksit Bharat vision in 2047. The government acknowledges the need for skill development to fully leverage our demographic dividend and increase employability of Indian youth. The introduction of Central Skilling Scheme targeting 20 lakh youth over a period of 5 years, with the establishment of 1000 industrial institutes to be upgraded in hub and spoke model will democratize skill development across all strata and geographies in the country. The introduction of multiple skilling programs with ease of financial support, especially targeting manufacturing and women-led self-help groups are future forward steps in the right direction. Furthermore, the skilling programs will be devised in line with the industry needs, and new courses will be introduced as required. As the government expands its focus on sectors like space and semiconductor manufacturing, specialized skill development initiatives will pave the way for the evolving needs of industries. Focusing on professional upskilling that is critical to every industry, sector and business – such as project management and accounting – will help the government realize their goals because these burgeoning professions remain in demand now and in the future. Furthermore, this will help in creating a more job ready and employable workforce equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment. These initiatives will not only help develop skilled manpower but also enhance inclusion of women in the workforce, to be well prepared for the peak of our working age population in 2044.” Mr. Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director – Yara South Asia: “We welcome the Union Budget’s strong emphasis on agriculture, particularly its aim to bolster productivity and resilience. The commitment to releasing climate-resilient crop varieties, alongside the establishment of bio-research centres, demonstrates a commendable commitment to the long-term health, sustainability, and resilience of Indian agriculture. The budget provisions for agriculture and allied sectors provide a solid foundation for these initiatives. The attention given to pulses and oilseeds, along with the development of large-scale clusters near FPO centers and consumption centers, directly addresses the need for a robust and efficient supply chain. These large-scale clusters around consumption centers will also help in efficiently reducing the carbon footprint of the agricultural supply chain. We are also pleased to see the government’s commitment to digital public infrastructure, including the digital crop survey, which will contribute to greater transparency and data-driven decision-making in agriculture. Furthermore, we applaud the budget’s commitment to facilitating higher participation of women in the workforce. We believe this focus will have a particularly positive impact on agriculture, where empowering women is crucial for a thriving agriculture sector. Increased opportunities for women in areas such as agricultural entrepreneurship, technology adoption, and leadership roles will benefit the entire industry. We are particularly encouraged by the budget’s emphasis on enhancing the ease of doing business in India under Jan Vishwas bill 2.0. Streamlining regulations and creating a more conducive environment for businesses will be crucial for attracting investment and driving growth in the agricultural sector. This union budget lays a strong foundation for a future where Indian agriculture is both prosperous and sustainable.” Mr. Raju Kapoor, Director, Industry & Public Affairs, FMC India: “The government has presented a forward-looking and growth-oriented budget that rightly prioritizes the transformation of Indian agriculture. The comprehensive review of agricultural research focusing on productivity and climate resilience is
Advait Infratech Expands Renewable Portfolio with INR 72.69 Crore in New Projects
Ahmedabad, India – Advait Infratech Ltd announced that its subsidiary Advait Greenergy hasreceived Letters of Intent from KP Group of Companies for significant solar and green hydrogenprojects. These projects, worth a combined total of INR 72.69 crore (over $8.7 million), mark anotable achievement for the company and its subsidiary, Advait Greenergy Private Limited.The company has been awarded a Letter of Intent from KPI Green Energy for the engineering,procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 30 MW ground-mount solar project located atKhavda, Gujarat. This project is valued at INR 59 crore and is expected to be completed in thenext year.Additionally, Advait Infratech Ltd has secured another LOI for the EPC of a 1 MW greenhydrogen plant at Matar, Gujarat. This project is valued at INR 13.69 crore and is slated forcommissioning next year as well. We are pleased to partner with KP Group of Companies on these important projects and look forward to contributing to India renewable energy landscape, said Mr. Shalin Sheth, Founder and Managing Director of Advait Infratech Ltd.These projects underscore Advait Infratech’s commitment to advancing renewable energyinfrastructure and supporting India green energy goals. APN News
Advait Greenergy Bags LoI worth INR 72.69 Crore from KP Group of Companies
Advait Greenergy has received Letters of Intent from KP Group of Companies for solar and green hydrogen projects. These projects, worth a combined total of INR 72.69 crore (over USD 8.7 million), mark a notable achievement for Advait Infratech Ltd and its subsidiary, Advait Greenergy Private Limited. The company has been awarded a Letter of Intent from KPI Green Energy for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 30 MW ground-mount solar project located at Khavda, Gujarat. This project is valued at INR 59 crore and is expected to be completed in the next year. Additionally, Advait Infratech Ltd has secured another LOI for the EPC of a 1 MW green hydrogen plant at Matar, Gujarat. This project is valued at INR 13.69 crore and is slated for commissioning next year as well. “We are pleased to partner with KP Group of Companies on these important projects and look forward to contributing to India’s renewable energy landscape,” said Shalin Sheth, Founder and Managing Director of Advait Infratech Ltd. These projects underscore Advait Infratech’s commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure and supporting India’s green energy goals.
Advait Infratech receives LoI for orders worth Rs 72.69 cr
From KP GroupAdvait Infratech has received following Letter of intent from KP Group of Companies of aggregating Rs. 72.69 crore for the below orders: 1. LOI for the EPCC work for 30 MW Solar Project at Khavda, Gujarat worth Rs. 59 crore. 2. LOI for the for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contract for 1 MV Green Hydrogen Plant at Matar worth Rs. 13.69 crore.
Advait Infratech Expands Renewable Portfolio with INR 72.69 Crore in New Projects
Advait Infratech Ltd announced that its subsidiary Advait Greenergy has received Letters of Intent from KP Group of Companies for significant solar and green hydrogen projects. These projects, worth a combined total of INR 72.69 crore (over $8.7 million), mark a notable achievement for the company and its subsidiary, Advait Greenergy Private Limited. The company has been awarded a Letter of Intent from KPI Green Energy for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 30 MW ground-mount solar project located at Khavda, Gujarat. This project is valued at INR 59 crore and is expected to be completed in the next year. Additionally, Advait Infratech Ltd has secured another LOI for the EPC of a 1 MW green hydrogen plant at Matar, Gujarat. This project is valued at INR 13.69 crore and is slated for commissioning next year as well. “We are pleased to partner with KP Group of Companies on these important projects and look forward to contributing to India’s renewable energy landscape,” said Mr. Shalin Sheth, Founder and Managing Director of Advait Infratech Ltd. These projects underscore Advait Infratech’s commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure and supporting India’s green energy goals. About Advait Infratech Established in 2009, Advait Infratech delivers robust products and solutions for power transmission, substation, and telecommunication infrastructure. Operations cover turnkey telecommunication projects, power transmission and substation equipment installation, liasoning, marketing, and end-to-end solutions. Engaging in manufacturing and supplying essential power transmission products, including stringing tools, OPGW, OFC cables, ACS, ERS, and OPGW joint boxes, Advait expanded into Green Hydrogen Equipment Manufacturing Services & EPC in 2023. Additionally, the focus includes sustainability consultancy, decarbonisation consultancy, and carbon consultancy services, aiming to enhance the market landscape with cost-efficient, eco-friendly solutions. Inshorts
Decarbonisation pushing down carbon emissions
The World Economic Forum predicts a $13.5 trillion investment by 2050 for decarbonisation, aiming to transition key sectors to achieve net-zero emissions targets through clean power, hydrogen production, and carbon capture technologies. Decarbonisation reduces or eliminates CO2 and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate climate change. The importance of decarbonisation lies in its ability to help stabilise global temperatures and limit climate change’s dangerous and irreversible effects by achieving net-zero GHG emissions. It means balancing the amount of GHG emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. Key sectors acting as sources of global emissions include energy, transportation, buildings, and agriculture. The transportation sector plays a significant role due to emissions from vehicles and aircraft, while building operations and agriculture contribute through energy use and methane emissions, respectively. The role of renewable energy The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy will lead to decarbonisation efforts. In 2023, the world witnessed a surge in renewable energy capacity, increasing by 50 per cent from the previous year, led by advancements in solar and wind technologies. For instance, the cost of solar PV and onshore wind power has become competitive, making them cheaper than new and existing fossil fuel power plants. Countries like China, the United States, the European Union, and Brazil led this expansion. China alone expected to install more than half of the new global capacity required by 2030, ahead of its targets due to the economic attractiveness of these technologies. Similarly, the United States is seeing accelerated renewable additions, spurred by policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. India is making rapid strides in the renewable energy sector. As of 2023, India has substantially increased its investments in renewable energy, aiming to achieve 50 per cent from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Advancements in energy storage and grid management Advancements in energy storage and grid management handle the increasing input from renewable energy sources and improve energy distribution efficiency. Recent years have seen a reduction in battery costs, particularly lithium-ion batteries, which have fallen by about 50 per cent in price. This trend is expected to continue, making energy storage systems affordable and accelerating their deployment across electric grids. On the technological front, the U.S. Department of Energy has recently allocated $15 million to promote long-duration energy storage innovations. These initiatives will develop storage solutions lasting over 10 hours and are cost-effective, thus supporting a more reliable and clean energy grid. This effort includes enhancing zinc, lead, and flow battery technologies, for diversifying and securing the energy storage supply chain. The advancements in energy storage and grid management are closely aligned with the nation’s push towards a more sustainable and resilient energy framework. With an investment projection exceeding $35 billion annually by 2030 for advanced energy solutions, India is poised for significant growth in this sector. The focus is on battery storage, with planned investments of $9–10 billion annually, aiming to achieve a massive scale-up to 47 GW of battery storage capacity by 2031–32.This scale-up will manage the intermittency of renewable energy sources and grid stability. The Indian Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) highlights the burgeoning market potential, with the energy storage market expected to grow to 260 GWh by 2030. This expansion is forecast to stimulate approximately $15 billion in annual demand by 2030, encompassing applications in electric vehicles and grid-scale stationary storage. Carbon consultancy Carbon consulting steers the global effort to decarbonise by providing expert advice and strategies to reduce carbon footprints. By analysing emissions data, consultants help businesses identify key areas where they can implement sustainable practices. For instance, the carbon consultancy sector has been reducing emissions in the industrial sector by up to 30 per cent through energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy integration. These consultants also develop carbon management plans that include short- and long-term goals aligned with international standards like the Paris Agreement. Additionally, they facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy by assisting companies in purchasing carbon credits and investing in green technologies, thus reducing millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions. Policy, investment, and the future of decarbonisation Government policies, international agreements, and corporate commitments drive decarbonisation efforts. The World Economic Forum underscores that industries and governments need to work together using science and human ingenuity to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions. This includes leveraging digital technologies to optimise energy use and using clean technologies like hydrogen and synthetic fuels. Investments are the future of decarbonisation. According to the World Economic Forum’s Net-Zero Industry Tracker, a substantial investment of $13.5 trillion will be required by 2050 to transition key industrial and transport sectors to net zero. This funding will help scale clean power, hydrogen production, and carbon capture technologies. These sectors, which are currently heavy emitters of greenhouse gases, need infrastructural and technological upgrades to meet global climate targets. Policy measures and financial incentives encourage the adoption of these technologies and make them economically viable, thereby ensuring a sustainable and resilient energy transition. Decarbonisation will lead us to meet global climate goals. By reducing carbon emissions, we can combat climate change effectively. This approach is urgent and feasible, with current technologies and policies supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.