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India Sets Sail on Green Energy Voyage: First Port-Based Green Hydrogen Plant Launched in Tamil Nadu
India's first port-based Green Hydrogen plant is now live at VOC Port, Tamil Nadu! This landmark project, along with new green methanol & solar initiatives, powers India's clean energy voyage and positions Tamil Nadu as a key hub for sustainable shipping.
Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu: In a historic move for India's clean energy mission, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the country's first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tuticorin yesterday.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a giant leap forward in India's journey towards sustainability and self-reliance in the shipping sector.
Built with an investment of ₹3.87 crore, this innovative facility has a capacity of 10 Nm³/hour. So, what will it do?
The plant will produce 100% green hydrogen using renewable energy. This clean fuel will then be used to:
With this, VOC Port has proudly earned the title of being the first port in India to produce its own green hydrogen.
The launch didn't stop at hydrogen. The Minister also laid the foundation stone for several other key projects:
1.Green Methanol Bunkering Facility: A ₹35.34 crore facility with a 750 m³ capacity. This will allow ships to refuel with green methanol, a clean alternative fuel, making VOC Port a key green bunkering hub in South India. This aligns perfectly with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin.
2.Rooftop Solar Power Plant: A new 400 KW solar plant was launched, boosting the port's total rooftop solar capacity to an impressive 1.04 MW-the highest among all Indian major ports.
3. Other Infrastructure Projects: Foundations were also laid for a 6 MW wind farm, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, a new 3.37 km four-lane road, and the Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum.
Speaking at the event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal connected these projects to the larger vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
"The projects launched today will generate thousands of jobs, attract global investments and position Tamil Nadu as a key contributor to India’s economic aspirations," he said.
He highlighted the transformative growth of Tamil Nadu's three major ports-Chennai, Kamarajar, and VOC. Under the Sagarmala programme, 98 projects worth ₹93,715 crore have been undertaken in the state in the last 11 years, with 50 already completed.
The inauguration day was doubly significant as it was the 154th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC), who himself pioneered indigenous shipping.
Paying floral tributes, Shri Sonowal said, “We are deeply inspired by the legacy of VOC, who ignited the Swadeshi spirit through shipping. Today, under PM Modi ji’s leadership, we are carrying forward that spirit with green energy and self-reliance.”
The event also saw the signing of MoUs with IRCON's IPRCL for rail connectivity and with NTPC for green mobility initiatives at the port.
This comprehensive green makeover of VOC Port is a powerful testament to India's commitment to a sustainable, self-reliant, and powerful blue economy.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a giant leap forward in India's journey towards sustainability and self-reliance in the shipping sector.
What is the Green Hydrogen Pilot Project?
Built with an investment of ₹3.87 crore, this innovative facility has a capacity of 10 Nm³/hour. So, what will it do?
The plant will produce 100% green hydrogen using renewable energy. This clean fuel will then be used to:
- Power the streetlights inside the VOC Port colony.
- Run an electric vehicle (EV) charging station for port officials and visitors.
With this, VOC Port has proudly earned the title of being the first port in India to produce its own green hydrogen.
More Green Projects for a Sustainable Future
The launch didn't stop at hydrogen. The Minister also laid the foundation stone for several other key projects:
1.Green Methanol Bunkering Facility: A ₹35.34 crore facility with a 750 m³ capacity. This will allow ships to refuel with green methanol, a clean alternative fuel, making VOC Port a key green bunkering hub in South India. This aligns perfectly with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin.
2.Rooftop Solar Power Plant: A new 400 KW solar plant was launched, boosting the port's total rooftop solar capacity to an impressive 1.04 MW-the highest among all Indian major ports.
3. Other Infrastructure Projects: Foundations were also laid for a 6 MW wind farm, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, a new 3.37 km four-lane road, and the Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum.
Boosting the Economy and Creating Jobs
Speaking at the event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal connected these projects to the larger vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
"The projects launched today will generate thousands of jobs, attract global investments and position Tamil Nadu as a key contributor to India’s economic aspirations," he said.
He highlighted the transformative growth of Tamil Nadu's three major ports-Chennai, Kamarajar, and VOC. Under the Sagarmala programme, 98 projects worth ₹93,715 crore have been undertaken in the state in the last 11 years, with 50 already completed.
A Tribute to a Legacy
The inauguration day was doubly significant as it was the 154th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC), who himself pioneered indigenous shipping.
Paying floral tributes, Shri Sonowal said, “We are deeply inspired by the legacy of VOC, who ignited the Swadeshi spirit through shipping. Today, under PM Modi ji’s leadership, we are carrying forward that spirit with green energy and self-reliance.”
The event also saw the signing of MoUs with IRCON's IPRCL for rail connectivity and with NTPC for green mobility initiatives at the port.
This comprehensive green makeover of VOC Port is a powerful testament to India's commitment to a sustainable, self-reliant, and powerful blue economy.
(Source-pib)
#GreenIndia#CleanEnergy#SolarPower#GreenHydrogen#ViksitBharat#PMModi#SarbanandaSonowal#TamilNadu#Tuticorin#EcoFriendly#Sustainability#Maritime#Ship
#GreenIndia#CleanEnergy#SolarPower#GreenHydrogen#ViksitBharat#PMModi#SarbanandaSonowal#TamilNadu#Tuticorin#EcoFriendly#Sustainability#Maritime#Ship
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