In one of the big pushes to fast-track India’s green hydrogen economy, Gensol Engineering, in association with Matrix Gas & Renewables Ltd., has received an order for setting up India’s first green hydrogen valley project. The proposed development in Pune, Maharashtra, is considered a crucial milestone in the country’s roadmap for sustainable transition towards eco-friendly sources of energy. The green hydrogen production facility would be set up on a BOO basis by the electrolysis route.
Pune Green Hydrogen Valley
The green hydrogen valley project will be located in the Kurkumbh area, aided by National Chemicals Laboratories, Pune. It is intended to produce and supply green hydrogen on a 24×7 basis, primarily targeting the specialty chemical segment in Pune. This deal further deepens the partnership between Gensol Engineering and Matrix Gas & Renewables, creating an indispensable ecosystem for green hydrogen in India while contributing to the nation’s burgeoning renewable energy portfolio.
Gensol Engineering, one of India’s key players in the renewable energy sector, has developed extensive experience in solar engineering, procurement, and construction services. It has been one of the leading companies that has taken center stage in promoting clean energy solutions; thus, this new green hydrogen project solidifies its commitment to driving sustainable energy within India. On the other hand, Matrix Gas & Renewables is an upcoming green hydrogen infrastructure developer and natural gas aggregator, bringing vital knowledge to the partnership.
Government’s Push for Hydrogen Valleys
The government of India has been upbeat about developing hydrogen valleys through initiatives from the Department of Science & Technology (DST). These hydrogen valleys will form a local-level ecosystem for hydrogen production, storage, and usage that can be then scaled up to regional and national levels. The aim is to render green hydrogen integral to India’s energy transition, especially in areas where transitioning to complete renewable-sourced energy is quite difficult.
Hydrogen valley initiatives, like the one being set up in Pune, will, therefore, form a critical part in the emerging green hydrogen economy of the country. By promoting innovation in this field, supporting the infrastructural development for the same, and thereby inducing industries to use green hydrogen, such initiatives are seen to bring down carbon emissions drastically in the country while propelling economic growth by way of creation of green jobs and industries.
Green Hydrogen: The Future of Clean Energy
Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, is being hailed as the future of clean energy. Unlike conventional hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels, green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis—a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. This makes green hydrogen a completely carbon-free energy carrier that can replace fossil fuels in different industries and hence reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
One such sector that faces difficulties in decarbonization with conventional renewable energy sources is the specialty chemical sector, which is going to be the major beneficiary of the green hydrogen produced in Pune. The availability of green hydrogen opens up a host of possibilities for such hard-to-electrify industries like chemicals, steel, and heavy-duty transport at considerably lower cost. Similarly, the Pune project will demonstrate the supply of green hydrogen on a round-the-clock basis as a viable and sustainable source of industrial energy.
Building a Green Hydrogen Ecosystem
This will mark an important step in developing an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem in India. Besides producing green hydrogen, the project entails infrastructure and value chain systems to efficiently store, transport, and distribute the hydrogen in conventional modes. The work includes installing hydrogen refueling stations, storage facilities, and integrating them with the currently existing industrial infrastructure.
The imminent success of the green hydrogen valley project in Pune is likely to catalyze similar projects all over India. A demonstration of the economic and environmental benefits of green hydrogen, Gensol and Matrix have now set out to attract further investment in green hydrogen technology and encourage more industries to adopt this clean energy alternative.
Driving India’s Energy Transition
Creating India’s first green hydrogen valley aligns with the country’s broader goals of achieving energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. India has committed to ambitious targets for the adoption of renewable energy-a key part of the country’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and the global push for net-zero emissions. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, aspires to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and shipment, and the next projects are an integral part of that ambitious vision.
Managing Director Anmol Jaggi at Gensol Engineering remained upbeat on the prospect of such projects as game-changers for the Indian energy landscape. “We are going to supply green hydrogen to the specialty chemical sector in Pune, Maharashtra, on a round-the-clock basis to develop the green hydrogen economy in India,” said Jaggi while also highlighting proactive engagement from the government over the promotion of hydrogen valleys through the Department of Science & Technology.
The Road Ahead for Green Hydrogen in India
The world, in these current times, grapples with the challenges of climate change and shifting to cleaner energy sources. Green hydrogen has emerged as a key solution to decarbonize industries and reduce global emissions. India’s first green hydrogen valley project-located in Pune-represents another major leap in its journey toward a sustainable energy future and as a leader in green hydrogen technology.
With unabated government policy support, industry collaborations for the production and consumption of this clean gas, and investments in infrastructure and innovation, green hydrogen could emerge as a mainstay for India’s clean energy transition. As more and more industries start adopting green hydrogen, with the technology becoming increasingly competitive on the price front, all the environmental and economic benefits of this new energy frontier will start falling in place. The country is poised to experience this change.
Source: Adapted from Gensol Engineering’s BSE filing and related statements.