Haryana to Launch Green Hydrogen Policy, India's First Mega Project in Panipat
Haryana Green Hydrogen Policy, India's First Mega Project in Panipat

Haryana Government to Introduce Green Hydrogen Policy for Clean Energy Push

The Haryana government is poised to launch a dedicated Green Hydrogen Policy in the near future, aiming to significantly boost the adoption of clean energy across the state. This strategic move aligns with India's broader environmental goals and marks a pivotal step in transitioning towards sustainable industrial practices.

India's First Mega Green Hydrogen Project Underway in Panipat

In a landmark development, India's inaugural mega Green Hydrogen project, with an impressive capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum (TPA), is currently being established in Panipat. This initiative is being executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), showcasing a collaborative effort to drive green energy advancements.

High-Level Meeting Reviews Project Progress

A crucial high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, was recently convened to assess the progress of this ambitious project. During the session, it was confirmed that the plant will supply green hydrogen directly to the IOCL Panipat Refinery, with a targeted commissioning date set for December 2026. This timeline underscores the project's urgency and importance in India's clean energy landscape.

Key Role in Advancing National Clean Energy Goals

The Panipat project is anticipated to play a central role in propelling India's clean energy objectives forward, including the Prime Minister's Panchamrit commitments. Discussions at the meeting also emphasized the necessity of ensuring a reliable and adequate power supply to support the project's operations, highlighting the infrastructure requirements for such large-scale green initiatives.

Senior Officials and Strategic Focus

The meeting saw the participation of several senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Anurag Agarwal and HVPNL Managing Director J Ganesan, reflecting the government's high-level commitment. Commissioner and Secretary of the Industries & Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, provided insights into the formulation of a new industrial policy, where Green Hydrogen has been identified as a thrust sector, signaling a strategic shift in industrial priorities.

Transforming Haryana's Industrial Landscape

This project is expected to bring about a significant transformation in Haryana's industrial framework, particularly by facilitating the decarbonization of high-emission sectors such as refining and steel production. It aims to position the state as a leading hub for low-carbon refining and green steel manufacturing, leveraging incentives under the SIGHT scheme from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to attract substantial investments.

Benefits for Fertilizer and Ammonia Units

Fertilizer and ammonia units located in and around Panipat are projected to reap considerable benefits by transitioning to green ammonia, thereby reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. This shift not only supports environmental sustainability but also enhances operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the long run.

Employment Generation and Economic Impact

The initiative is poised to generate a substantial number of employment opportunities. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, achieving a capacity of 250 KTPA in Haryana could create approximately 40,000 direct jobs and an additional 1.2 lakh indirect jobs across various sectors. This employment boost is expected to significantly contribute to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reinforcing Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's vision of establishing a robust green hydrogen economy in Haryana.

Strengthening India's Green Energy Vision

Overall, the Haryana Green Hydrogen Policy and the Panipat project represent a forward-thinking approach to energy sustainability, aligning with global trends and India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. By fostering innovation and investment in green technologies, Haryana is set to become a model for other states in advancing clean energy solutions and driving economic growth through environmentally conscious practices.