North India’s First Green Hydrogen Plant Launched In Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, Feb 6 (KNN) North India's first green hydrogen plant broke ground in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone for the pioneering 1 megawatt facility in Dabhota, Nalagarh Tehsil of Solan district.

The Rs 9.04 crore project is being developed through a collaboration between Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and Oil India Limited.

During the ceremony, Sukhu emphasised the project's significance in the state's renewable energy ambitions, directing officials to complete construction within one year.

"This initiative is a crucial step in Himachal Pradesh's efforts to establish itself as a leader in renewable energy and sustainability," said Sukhu, who reaffirmed the state's goal of becoming India's first green energy state by March 2026.

The project emerged fr0m a memorandum of understanding signed between the state government and Oil India Limited on April 26, 2023, which encompasses broader renewable energy initiatives including solar energy, geothermal energy, and compressed biogas.

Following careful evaluation, authorities selected a 4,000-square-metre plot for the facility.

The plant will employ an alkaline electrolysis process using potassium hydroxide solution to produce hydrogen fr0m renewable energy sources, supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

With a daily production capacity of 423 kg of green hydrogen, the facility will consume 13 litres of water per kilogram of hydrogen, sourced fr0m underground reserves through tube wells.

The production process will require 52.01 units of electricity per kilogram of hydrogen, with projected annual production reaching 154,395 kg.

The chief minister also highlighted the state government's comprehensive approach to green energy development, including ongoing efforts to achieve a 500 MW solar energy target.

This green hydrogen initiative represents a significant milestone in Himachal Pradesh's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.

(KNN Bureau)