India’s First Green Hydrogen Blending Project

January 4, 2023

NTPC Limited and Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL) have commissioned India’s first green hydrogen blending project in the piped natural gas (PNG) network of NTPC Kawas township, Surat. The project, which aims to supply H2-NG (natural gas) to households in the Kawas township, was made possible through the electrolysis of water using power from a 1 MW floating solar project. The first molecule of green hydrogen from the project was set in motion by P. Ram Prasad, head of the project Kawas, in the presence of other senior executives of NTPC Kawas and GGL.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, using electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar or wind power. This process splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen being captured and stored for use as a fuel. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
The main advantage of green hydrogen is that it is a clean, renewable fuel that can be used to power a variety of applications, including transportation and electricity generation. It also has the potential to play a significant role in the decarbonization of the energy sector, as it can be used to replace fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefits of Green Hydrogen Blending

The green hydrogen blending project in Surat is being carried out with the approval of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). The regulatory body has given permission for a 5% vol./vol. blending of green hydrogen with PNG to start with, with the blending level to be gradually increased to reach 20%.
The addition of green hydrogen to the natural gas network has a number of benefits. First and foremost, it reduces CO2 emissions while maintaining the same net heating content. This is an important step in the fight against climate change and will help India reduce its hydrocarbon import bill while also bringing in foreign exchange through the export of green hydrogen and green chemicals to the rest of the world.
In addition, the use of green hydrogen in the energy sector has the potential to create new job opportunities and boost economic growth. It can also improve energy security by reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The commissioning of India’s first green hydrogen blending project is a major milestone that puts the country at the forefront of the global hydrogen economy. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of NTPC and GGL, who have been able to achieve this feat in record time.

The project serves as a model for other countries to follow and demonstrates the potential for green hydrogen to play a key role in the decarbonization of the energy sector. It is hoped that this project will pave the way for the wider adoption of green hydrogen in India and help the country transition to a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.

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