The Indian Hygenco Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Steel Special Economic Zone (TSSEZL). The green ammonia project, based in Gopalpur, Odisha, aims to produce one million tonnes a year. Production will take place in different phases. The first will be operational by December 2026. Amit Bansal, Hygenco’s CEO, has indicated that production in the first phase will be mainly for export. Advanced discussions are underway with potential buyers.
Major financial commitments
To establish this and other green hydrogen initiatives in India, Hygenco plans to invest $2.5 billion over the next three years. This investment reflects the growing popularity of green hydrogen in the country. The first green hydrogen project was inaugurated earlier this year in Hisar. Amit Bansal expects the Gopalpur project to make a major contribution to theglobal goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
European breakthrough in renewable hydrogen
On a global scale, investments in green hydrogen are multiplying. The European Commission has allocated 720 million euros to seven renewable hydrogen projects in Europe. Selected after intense competition between 132 bidders, these projects will produce 1.58 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over a decade. They are located in Finland, Norway, Spain and Portugal. The winning companies submitted competitive bids, ranging from €0.37 to €0.48 per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced. They must finalize their subsidy agreements by November 2024 and start production within five years. They will receive fixed financial support for ten years, to ensure certified and verified production. Grants range from €8 million to €245 million, depending on the scale of the project.
Hydrogen action plan in Chile
Chile has unveiled its two-phase hydrogen action plan. The first, from 2023 to 2026, focuses on environmental and social standards. The second phase, up to 2030, aims to industrialize the Chilean economy through industrial conversion. This initiative will encourage increased production and innovation. Former President Michelle Bachelet sees the plan as a decisive step towards a more productive and diversified economy. With 81 concrete measures, Chile is demonstrating its determination to assert itself as a leader in green energy in the region.
New infrastructure in Namibia
Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, a joint venture between CMB.Tech and Ohlthaver & List (O&L), will install the country’s first hydrogen refueling station by the end of 2024. Sven Thieme, President of O&L, announces a site capable of revolutionizing the energy sector. Cleanergy Solutions joins forces with CMB.Tech, Namport and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to launch Africa’s first hydrogen-powered ship. This production site is the first step in a five-year plan. Future projects include ammonia infrastructure, pipelines and large-scale hydrogen production.
Green hydrogen projects are gaining momentum worldwide, as demonstrated by the partnership between Hygenco and Tata Steel, backed by considerable funding and ambitious initiatives. Progress in Europe and Chile also demonstrates the global commitment to the renewable energy sector, with government programs and international collaborations.
