Indian Ports Urged to Repurpose LNG Terminals for Green Hydrogen Export Hub
Key Ideas
- Indian Ports Association recommends repurposing LNG terminals for green hydrogen derivatives like green ammonia to boost export potential.
- Establishing common user infrastructure frameworks can facilitate quick setup of green hydrogen facilities and pipelines.
- High costs and challenges like securing rights of way make repurposing underutilized pipelines a cost-effective solution for hydrogen infrastructure development.
A report by the Indian Ports Association has proposed extensive reforms for Indian ports to become an export hub for green hydrogen derivatives like green ammonia. The report suggests repurposing existing LNG terminals for green hydrogen, emphasizing the need for common user infrastructure frameworks to streamline the setup of green hydrogen facilities. While the development of hydrogen pipelines is crucial, the report highlights the high costs associated with materials, labor, and construction, which account for 70-80% of the expenses. To overcome these challenges, repurposing underutilized pipelines is seen as a cost-effective solution, especially considering the difficulties in obtaining rights of way. The IPA, representing major ports in India, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, advocates for these reforms to capitalize on the export potential of green hydrogen and contribute to India's sustainable energy goals.