Introduction
India is witnessing a remarkable surge in green energy initiatives, driven by the nation's commitment to combat climate change and achieve energy security. From groundbreaking projects in green hydrogen and ammonia production to the promotion of renewable energy sources and the development of green shipping infrastructure, the country is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of a sustainable future.
Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Production
One of the most significant developments is the massive investment in green hydrogen and green ammonia production units at Gujarat's Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla. Leading conglomerates such as Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Greenko Group, and Welspun New Energy have secured land parcels at the port, with a cumulative investment that could reach up to ₹1 lakh crore, making it one of the largest investments in the green energy infrastructure space in India.
The DPA allotted 14 land parcels of 300 acres each to these companies, with RIL securing six plots, L&T five, Greenko Group two, and Welspun New Energy one. This move is part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilization, and export. The mission targets a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030, with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW and a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports by over ₹1 lakh crore.
Kandla Port is targeting an impressive green ammonia production of 7 MTPA and 1.4 MTPA of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is produced by electrolyzing water using power from renewable energy sources without emitting any greenhouse gases, while ammonia is a key end-user segment for green hydrogen and plays a crucial role in scaling up its production.
Solar Energy
Another significant development in the green energy space is the potential decline in global prices of solar PV components, which could potentially boost domestic solar installations. The decline in polysilicon prices by 67 percent year-on-year and the anticipation of further reductions in 2024 could alleviate cost pressure on cell and module manufacturers. In January 2024, Indian imports of solar cells and modules surged to record highs of 9.9 gigawatts (GW) amid anticipation of anti-dumping duty (ADD) and basic customs duty (BCD) implementation from April 2024. In 2023, India exported $1.9 billion or around 5GW of solar modules, with the US being the primary market.
"India One Solar Thermal power Plant - Brahma Kumaris" by Brahmakumaris Photo Gallery is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
Government Initiatives for Renewable Energy
The government's commitment to promoting renewable energy is evident through various initiatives and policies. The National Solar Mission (NSM), introduced in 2010, aims to foster the advancement and utilization of solar energy across grid-tied and autonomous setups, establishing ambitious benchmarks for increasing solar capacity and providing financial incentives, subsidies, and policy backing.
India also possesses one of the most substantial wind energy capacities globally, and the government offers incentives like generation-based incentives (GBIs) and accelerated depreciation benefits to promote the development of wind power. The Bioenergy Promotion initiative advocates for the utilization of biofuels and power generation from biomass sources, facilitated through initiatives such as the Ethanol Blending Program and the National Policy on Biofuels.
Furthermore, the government is striving to leverage its hydropower potential while addressing environmental considerations, with diverse policies and incentives in place to encourage the advancement of both small and large-scale hydropower initiatives. Efforts are also underway to explore the potential of geothermal and ocean energy through research and development. The Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), implemented by state electricity regulatory commissions, mandate that distribution companies and open access consumers source a designated portion of their power procurement from renewable sources. Additionally, the government is constructing Green Energy Corridors – specialized transmission lines designed exclusively for renewable power distribution – to enhance the grid infrastructure and streamline the incorporation of renewable energy into the system.
International Collaboration and Research
India's commitment to a sustainable future extends beyond its borders, as the country engages in partnerships with diverse countries and international entities to undertake renewable energy initiatives, facilitate technology exchange, and enhance capacity development. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) supports research and development efforts aimed at improving renewable energy technologies and increasing their cost efficiency.
Green Shipping Initiatives
In a significant move towards green shipping, the government plans to make all coastal and river ports in inland waterways "completely green" within five years by using renewable energy. Ports such as VO Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi, Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla, Visakhapatnam Port, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai already use green energy for all their needs.
Under the Amrit Kaal plan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October, the government has set 2047 as the deadline to make "all major ports" in the country use green energy, with green hydrogen storage and bunkering facilities by 2047. Three ports in Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip have been identified as pilots for green hydrogen production.
The Centre has also released guidelines for undertaking green hydrogen pilot projects in the shipping sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Two thrust areas have been identified: retrofitting ships to enable them to run on green hydrogen or its derivatives, and the development of bunkering and refueling facilities in ports on international shipping lanes for fuels based on green hydrogen. With an allocation of Rs 80 crore to the Shipping Corporation of India to enable older ships to use methanol as fuel, the government is taking concrete steps towards greener shipping operations.
Conclusion
India's ambitious strides in the green energy domain are truly remarkable, encompassing a wide range of initiatives and projects that span from green hydrogen and ammonia production to the promotion of renewable energy sources and the development of green shipping infrastructure. As the nation forges ahead on this path, it is paving the way for a sustainable future, not only for itself but also for the global community.
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