NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), an arm of India’s leading integrated power producer NTPC Ltd, and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (also known as Kolkata port), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, have signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of a green hydrogen hub at the Kolkata port.
The latest agreement follows NTPC’s tie-up with V.O Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) earlier this month for the development of a green hydrogen hub at VOCPA, Tuticorin, in Tamil Nadu.
The National Hydrogen Mission identifies shipping and port operations as key drivers for future green hydrogen demand and trade. Maritime transport and ports have significant potential for decarbonization through the use of green hydrogen or its derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol as fuel for propulsion and other operations.
Under the mission, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is set to play a crucial role in establishing India’s export capabilities for green hydrogen and its derivates. It will facilitate the development of the required infrastructure including storage bunkers, port operations equipment, and refueling facilities. MoPSW will also drive the adoption of hydrogen/derivatives (ammonia/methanol) as propulsion fuel for ships. The Ministry will also work towards making India a green hydrogen/derivative refueling hub.
NTPC is India’s largest power utility with a total installed capacity of 73+ GW. Its wholly owned subsidiary, NGEL, is taking up renewable energy capacity addition including green hydrogen and energy storage projects. NTPC Group aims for 60 GW of RE capacity by the year 2032, with 3.2 GW already installed and over 20 GW in the pipeline.