NTPC set to develop India’s largest green hydrogen hub

In a step towards bolstering the decarbonised economy, Maharatna company National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has embarked on the development of India’s largest integrated green hydrogen hub at Pudimadaka in Atchutapuram mandal, near Visakhapatnam. The initiative is being spearheaded by NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a fully owned subsidiary of NTPC.
Nearly a year after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government during the Global Investors’ Summit, the project, estimated to require an investment of Rs 1.10 lakh crore in two phases, is set to become a cornerstone of India’s energy transition. The comprehensive project, aimed at fostering a world-class ecosystem for green energy technologies, is expected to have a staggering production capacity of 1,200 tonnes of green hydrogen per day.
The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2015 but was officially shelved in 2018 due to the government’s emphasis on domestic coal production, rendering the proposed coal-fired ultra mega power plant obsolete. However, with the recent signing of a land lease agreement covering 1,200 acres with the AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), the hurdles related to the site have been overcome. The land, situated near NTPC Simhadri and the Asian Paints plant, was originally allotted to NTPC for a coal-fired power plant.
According to the agreement, NGEL will establish an ‘integrated green hydrogen hub’ at Pudimadaka. This hub aims to create a world-class ecosystem, encompassing technologies like electrolyser and fuel cell manufacturing, ancillary industries, and startup incubation.
The hub will facilitate testing facilities, as well as the production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol. Anticipated to be India’s largest hydrogen production hub, the project aligns with NTPC’s corporate vision, emphasising green energy and green hydrocarbons to contribute significantly to India’s energy transition.
The pivotal step towards the realisation of the project occurred with the exchange of the land lease deed between the Chief General Manager of NGEL, Sivakumar VV, and Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of APIIC, Pravin Kumar. The ceremony, held at Velagapudi, witnessed the presence of Chief Secretary, of Andhra Pradesh KS Jawahar Reddy, Executive Director of NTPC R Sarangapani, and other senior officials.
NTPC Group has set an ambitious target of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. Presently boasting 3.4 GW of installed renewable energy and several projects in the pipeline, NTPC remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing India’s green energy lands.