Navigating India's Ports towards a Green Hydrogen Future
Key Ideas
- India's ports have the potential to transform into green hydrogen hubs, driving the country's clean energy transition and global trade.
- Challenges like high production costs and limited investments need to be addressed to unlock the full potential of green hydrogen infrastructure.
- Repurposing existing assets like natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport, coupled with strategic investments in new storage facilities, can enhance India's competitiveness in the global green hydrogen market.
- Efficient planning of storage capacity is crucial to manage costs and ensure the economic feasibility of green hydrogen operations in Indian ports.
India's ports are poised to play a pivotal role in the global green hydrogen transition, going beyond their traditional functions to become dynamic energy ecosystems. The integration of green hydrogen into their value chains not only accelerates India's clean energy shift but also boosts its position in international trade. The report evaluates the readiness of key Indian ports like Deendayal, V.O. Chidambaranar, Paradip, Cochin, Mumbai, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority to embrace green hydrogen infrastructure. By leveraging existing assets and strategic locations, these ports can cater to both domestic and export markets, positioning themselves at the forefront of the hydrogen economy. Challenges such as production costs, investments, uncertain demand, and land acquisition complexities must be overcome to fully tap into this potential. Repurposing assets like natural gas pipelines and LNG terminals for hydrogen transportation, along with strategic investments in storage facilities, will be essential. Efficient planning of storage capacity, scaling up to 1.0–1.5 megatons per year, is highlighted as crucial for cost management and long-term viability. By addressing these challenges and making strategic investments, Indian ports can drive the adoption of green hydrogen, unlock new revenue streams, and enhance their role in the global green energy landscape.