Kerala – Greening the Energy Sector with Green Hydrogen
Introduction
Green Hydrogen (GH2) is expected to play a critical role as an energy carrier in the global energy system on a 1.5°C or 2°C pathway to 2050. GH2 produced by renewable energy through electrolysis of water will be crucial for achieving decarbonisation of harder-to-abate sectors such as fertilisers, refineries, methanol production, maritime shipping, iron & steel, transport sectors and chemical industry which cannot readily be electrified. As per the estimates of International Energy Agency (IEA), Hydrogen is estimated to contribute 6% in the cumulative emission reduction by 2050 in the Net Zero Emission 2021-2050 pathway, practically all the hydrogen generated based on low-carbon technologies (such as electrolysis or fossil fuels with carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)). Hydrogen is expected to contribute 10% in total final energy consumption by 2050 and Electricity would be the major source of hydrogen production (~60%) in the Net Zero Emission 2050 pathway.
Green Hydrogen is also expected to complement the varying and infirm nature of renewable energy.
Green Hydrogen Initiatives by ANERT
Kerala has set a target to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and 100% Renewable Energy State by 2040. GH2 is expected to play a crucial role in decarbonisation and achieving Net Zero. Kerala is poised to be a potential export centre for GH2 after meeting its local demand owing to availability of renewable energy resources.
ANERT, the Government of Kerala organisation for renewable energy, is nominated as the nodal agency for green hydrogen projects in the state.
Other Initiatives
The Kerala government is actively promoting green hydrogen. The draft of Green Hydrogen Policy is under the consideration of the Government and is expected to be announced soon.
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), the 100% solar powered airport in Kerala, has tied up (through an MoU) with BPCL to set up a green hydrogen plant in the airport premises. Under the agreement, BPCL will oversee the establishment of the integrated green hydrogen plant and fuelling station providing technology and managing the operations. Total GH2 production is 100 Nm³/hour from 500 kW electrolyser system.
Due to its access to Vizhinjam seaport, Kerala sees green hydrogen as an export opportunity. Overall, Kerala is in the early stages of developing its green hydrogen industry, but there's significant interest and activity from both the government and private companies.
At least 5 proposals have been received from various private investors (like HLC Green, Leap Green, ReNew Power, Enfinity, Ocior Energy, etc.), totalling over ₹20,000 crore, which are under the consideration of the Government.
ANERT is actively involved in promoting green hydrogen research and development. Overall, Kerala's green hydrogen push is a multi-pronged approach. By addressing the challenges and capitalising on the potential benefits, the state can become a leader in clean energy production and contribute to a greener future.
