India’s first off-grid green hydrogen plant

24.06.2025

India’s first off-grid green hydrogen plant

Context

In a major green energy development, Adani Group commissioned India’s first off-grid green hydrogen plant in Kutch, Gujarat, aiming to boost clean energy goals.

About the News

• The plant is fully off-grid, operating independently of India’s main electricity grid using renewable energy sources.
   This allows uninterrupted, zero-emission hydrogen production.
• Located in Kutch, Gujarat, it is the first such facility in India.
   The region has high solar and wind potential.
• It was set up by Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL) to scale up green hydrogen capacity.
   Private sector investment aligns with national goals.
• It supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and Net Zero by 2070 vision.
   It’s a milestone for decarbonizing the economy.

Characteristics

• The plant uses electrolysis of water to separate hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
   This method is clean if electricity is renewable.
• For green hydrogen, electricity must come from solar, wind, or hydropower, not coal.
   This ensures zero carbon emissions during production.
• It is an off-grid system, meaning it works independently from the central electricity grid.
   Ideal for remote or energy-scarce regions.
• Hydrogen is stored as compressed gas or liquid for later use in energy, transport, or industry.
   Storage ensures flexible usage across sectors.
• It differs from on-grid plants, which depend on grid power and may emit CO₂ if fossil-fuel based.
   Off-grid ensures reliability and sustainability.

Challenges

• High production cost due to expensive electrolysis technology limits large-scale adoption.
   E.g., green hydrogen is still costlier than grey hydrogen from natural gas.
• Storage and transport of hydrogen is technically challenging and energy-intensive.
   Compressed hydrogen needs advanced, safe infrastructure.
• Limited domestic electrolyser manufacturing slows project scalability.
   India depends on imports, increasing costs and delay.
• Policy support and incentives need faster implementation to attract more private players.
   Slow policy rollout can reduce investor confidence.

Way Forward

• Boost indigenous electrolyser manufacturing under Make in India.
   Will reduce cost and increase production capability.
• Invest in hydrogen-ready infrastructure for storage, pipelines, and transport.
   Example: Build hydrogen corridors for mobility sectors.
• Integrate green hydrogen in industries like steel, fertilizers, and oil refineries.
   Can drastically reduce carbon emissions from hard-to-abate sectors.
• Strengthen policy and subsidies under National Green Hydrogen Mission.
   Financial support will accelerate industry adoption.

Conclusion

India’s first off-grid green hydrogen plant is a key step towards clean energy leadership. It reflects India’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global climate responsibility under its 2070 net-zero target.