India’s first Green Hydrogen Microgrid Projects in Andhra

Context

Recently, State-run NTPC Ltd has awarded India’s first green hydrogen microgrid project in Andhra Pradesh.

Key-Highlights

• The project has been awarded at the Simhadri plant of NTPC Ltd. in Andhra Pradesh.
• NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has also signed a pact with the Union territory of Ladakh For a green hydrogen mobility project.
  • This project will be executed by NTPC in association with the NVVN.
• NTPC will be involved in the “Standalone Fuel-cell based Microgrid along with hydrogen production using electrolyzer” project at NTPC Simhadri.
• India has also planned to call bids to build 4 gigawatt (GW) of electrolyzer capacity under its energy security strategy.

About Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project

• It is India’s first Green Hydrogen based Energy Storage Project.
• Under this project, hydrogen would be produced using the advanced 240 kW Solid Oxide Electrolyser by taking input power from the nearby Floating Solar project. 
• The hydrogen produced during sunshine hours would be stored at high pressure and would be electrified using a 50 kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell.
• The system would work in standalone mode from 5 pm to 7 am.

Significance 

• Firstly, it is a unique project for India and would open doors for decarbonising the far-off regions of the country like Ladakh, J&K etc, which as of now are dependent on diesel generators.
• Secondly, the project is in-line with the vision of the Prime Minister for becoming carbon-neutral by 2070 and making Ladakh a carbon-neutral territory.