In a landmark stride toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, India has inaugurated its first fully indigenously developed green hydrogen plant under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) launched the 1MW facility at Kandla Port, Gujarat, with Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal presiding over the event.
A National First at Indian Ports
This project, completed within just four months, marks a significant achievement—not only as the first green hydrogen plant at any Indian port, but also as a shining example of India’s growing capability in clean energy technology. The facility represents the first phase of a larger 10MW green hydrogen plant. Most notably, the electrolyzer system powering the plant has been designed and built in India, reinforcing the government’s mission to boost indigenous manufacturing.
Clean Hydrogen to Power Port Operations
In its initial phase, the green hydrogen produced will be used to fuel 11 buses and street lighting within the port complex. Eventually, the plan is to extend the usage to include all port-related operations, such as tugs, service vehicles, and even marine vessels, significantly curbing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.
Path to Full-Scale Expansion
The DPA has ambitious plans to ramp up capacity, with an additional 5 MW of green hydrogen production expected to be installed by the end of this fiscal year, and the full 10 MW target set for completion by mid-next fiscal year. Once operational at full scale, the plant is projected to generate approximately 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually.
Driving Maritime Sustainability
DPA officials called the project a pivotal move in maritime decarbonization, setting a model for ports across India. Green hydrogen, often touted as the “fuel of the future,” offers applications ranging from transportation and power generation to industrial use, making it a cornerstone of long-term carbon neutrality efforts.
Government Support and Vision
The initiative was hailed by Minister Sonowal as a “new benchmark” in India’s green energy trajectory. He applauded the Deendayal Port Authority for delivering on “speed, scale, and skill.” The foundation stone of the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 26, 2025, during his visit to Bhuj, underscoring the government’s strong commitment to renewable energy innovation.