Himachal Sets Stage for North India’s First Green Hydrogen Facility

In a significant step toward green energy transition, Himachal Pradesh has initiated North India’s first Green Hydrogen Plant at Dabhota in Nalagarh, situated in the state’s industrial belt of Baddi-Brotiwala and Nalagarh near Chandigarh. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone for the 1 MW plant, which aligns with the state’s goal of becoming India’s first green state by March 31, 2026. The Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), in collaboration with Oil India Limited, will develop this project at a cost of ₹9.04 crore. The plant is expected to be operational within a year and will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by utilizing renewable energy sources for hydrogen production.

Key Highlights of the Project

Location & Scale

• The 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant is being set up at Dabhota, Nalagarh, near Chandigarh.
• Spread over 4,000 square meters, the plant will utilize renewable energy sources for hydrogen production.

Project Cost & Implementation

• Developed by HPPCL & Oil India Limited under a ₹9.04 crore investment.
• Targeted for completion within one year as per government directives.

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Renewable Energy & Sustainability Goals

• The plant supports Himachal Pradesh’s vision to become India’s first green state by 2026.
• Himachal has a hydro-power potential of 27,000 MW and is also adding 150 MW of solar capacity to its energy mix.
• The project is part of the April 26, 2023 MoU between the state and Oil India Limited, focusing on green hydrogen, solar energy, geothermal energy, and compressed biogas.

Technology & Production Capacity

• The plant will use electrolysis with an alkaline potassium hydroxide solution to produce green hydrogen.
• Production capacity: 423 kg of green hydrogen per day.
• Requires 13 liters of water per kg of hydrogen, sourced from underground reserves.
• Energy consumption: 52.01 units of electricity per kg of hydrogen.

Environmental Benefits

• Zero carbon emissions, aligning with India’s green energy targets.
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner energy ecosystem.