Kerala’s Cochin set to become lighthouse port for Green Hydrogen
Green Port Guidelines aim to achieve a zero-carbon emission target by establishing ‘Green Ammonia’ bunkers and refueling facilities at major ports by 2035
\The Cochin Port Authority is gearing up to call for Expressions of Interest for a green hydrogen pilot project, which is anticipated to commence production within the next year. B Kasiviswanathan, the chairman of the Cochin Port Authority, states, “Cochin Port already has existing capabilities and rich experience of handling liquid cargo, especially chemicals like ammonia. The port therefore will be in an advantageous situation to build bunkering facility for green hydrogen and its derivatives.”
He made these remarks at the inauguration of a workshop titled “Pathway for a Successful Green Hydrogen Pilot at Cochin Port,” which was held in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association.
Port officials are currently examining a variety of project proposals for the development of green hydrogen pilots. The Cochin Port will be soliciting ideas from stakeholders to determine the scope of the pilot project. The Cochin Port Authority, the Indian Ports Association, and industry stakeholders will prioritize collaboration on these proposals.
Cochin Port’s Role in Green Hydrogen Initiatives
The ‘Harit Sagar’ – Green Port Guidelines aim to achieve a zero-carbon emission target by establishing ‘Green Ammonia’ bunkers and refueling facilities at major ports by 2035. Given its outstanding connectivity to domestic and international shipping routes, Cochin could potentially serve as a testing ground for G.H initiatives. This positions Cochin to potentially become a “Lighthouse Port,” setting an example for other ports in the green hydrogen transition.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman of VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, highlighted the progress made in developing green hydrogen projects. He mentioned that the port is planning to finalize the tender for a 60 KW electrolyser with the goal of commissioning it in the next quarter.
KR Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy and General Administration Department, Kerala, discussed the unique opportunities that Kerala offers. He emphasized that Kerala’s strategic location and action plan for developing the hydrogen valley, coupled with its intrinsic demand, make it unique.
The success of G.H projects hinges on the availability of affordable, accessible, and reliable renewable power. The Department of Energy of the Government of Kerala will play a pivotal role in promoting green hydrogen pilots, leading to the establishment of green hydrogen hubs.
Vikas Narwal, Deputy Chairman of CoPA and Managing Director of the Indian Ports Association, stated that project development will be prioritized for swift implementation. He suggested that shipping vessels, exports, and domestic use in fertilizer units and refinery complexes could be the primary off-takers for this pilot. He assured that the Indian Ports Association and the Cochin Port Authority will go above and beyond to support this project’s development and execution.
The workshop, which marked the commencement of the G.H Pilot Planning, was attended by over 50 industry partners from 25 institutions, including green hydrogen developers, consumers, electrolyser providers, and multilateral organizations.
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