The National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC)’s recent awarding of India’s first green hydrogen microgrid project at its Simhadri plant in Andhra Pradesh is a significant step towards India’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2070.
About the Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project
The country’s first green hydrogen microgrid project, an innovative design developed in-house by NTPC, offers a unique approach to large-scale hydrogen energy storage. The hydrogen is produced using an advanced 240 kW Solid Oxide Electrolyser that draws power from a nearby floating solar project. This approach aligns with India’s vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070.
Storing and Utilizing Produced Hydrogen
Stored at high pressure, the hydrogen produced during daytime operation will later be converted into electricity through a 50 kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. As an electrochemical conversion device, this fuel cell generates electricity directly by oxidizing the stored fuel.
Benefits of Implementing Multiple Microgrids
This ground-breaking project could play a vital role in studying and deploying multiple microgrids across off-grid and strategic locations nationwide, facilitating clean energy development and offering a potent defence against climate change.
Decarbonization Plans
Furthermore, the project holds promising potential for decarbonizing remote regions of the country, including Ladakh and J&K, which currently rely on diesel generators. The NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has also entered into an agreement with the Union territory of Ladakh for a green hydrogen mobility project.
New Possibilities for India’s Energy Security
Given that India imports 85% of its oil and 53% of its gas requirements, hydrogen fuel could transform the country’s energy security scenario. Anticipating this shift, the government is considering making it mandatory for fertilizer plants and oil refineries to purchase green hydrogen.
Exploring Hydrogen in Transport
NTPC is also exploring possibilities of utilizing hydrogen in transportation, contemplating its mix with natural gas for the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.
Other Related Initiatives
Other noteworthy initiatives include Indian Railways’ announcement of their first hydrogen-fuel cell technology-based train retrofitting an existing diesel engine and the National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) announced in the Union Budget 2021-22.
Green Hydrogen and Other Forms of Hydrogen
Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyzer powered by renewable energy sources like wind and solar, could revolutionize India’s energy security. It sits alongside other forms of hydrogen: brown (produced using coal, emitting potential pollutants), grey (produced from natural gas, releasing associated emissions), and blue (produced from natural gas, capturing emissions using carbon capture and storage).
About National Thermal Power Corporation Limited
As a central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power, NTPC Ltd, established in 1975, has long been at the forefront of power development in India. With a track record of providing reliable, economical, efficient, and environment-friendly power solutions, it encapsulates an innovative and agile approach to energy provision. It aims to become a green energy conglomerate, pushing forward green energy and green hydrogen projects to reduce carbon footprints.