Kandla and Tuticorin Ports to Become India’s Hydrogen and Ammonia Refuelling Hubs 

Kandla and Tuticorin Ports to Become India’s Hydrogen and Ammonia  Refuelling Hubs 

Here’s an article posted in Logistics Insider that talks about National Green Hydrogen Mission’s export plans.

According to the article,

• Kandla and Tuticorin ports in India are set to become the country’s first green hydrogen and green ammonia refueling hubs for green shipping.
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) has been launched with an initial outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, aiming to make India a leading exporter of green hydrogen.

Here’s an overview of the processes typically carried out in such hubs:

1. Green Hydrogen Production:
   • Electrolysis of water is the primary method for green hydrogen production. This process involves splitting water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar or wind.
   • Electrolyzers, the devices used for electrolysis, come in various types including alkaline, proton exchange membrane (PEM), and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). Each type has its advantages in terms of efficiency, scalability, and operating conditions.
   • Specific data points:
     • Efficiency: Modern electrolyzers can achieve efficiencies ranging from 70% to over 80%, converting electrical energy into hydrogen.
     • Capacity: Electrolyzer capacities can range from small-scale units producing a few kilograms of hydrogen per day to large industrial units capable of producing hundreds of kilograms or even megatons annually.
2. Ammonia Synthesis:
   • Ammonia (NH3) is synthesized from hydrogen and nitrogen through the Haber-Bosch process, which is energy-intensive and traditionally relies on fossil fuels. In green hydrogen and ammonia hubs, however, hydrogen obtained from renewable sources is utilized, making the process carbon-free.
   • Ammonia synthesis typically involves reacting hydrogen with nitrogen under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst.
   • Specific data points:
     • Pressure: The Haber-Bosch process usually operates at pressures ranging from 100 to 250 atmospheres.
     • Temperature: Temperatures in the range of 400 to 500 degrees Celsius are required for efficient ammonia synthesis.
     • Catalyst: Iron-based catalysts are commonly used in commercial ammonia production due to their effectiveness and relatively low cost.
3. Storage and Distribution:
   • Once produced, green hydrogen and ammonia are stored in appropriate tanks or vessels for subsequent distribution.
   • Storage methods vary depending on factors such as scale, transportation requirements, and safety considerations. Common storage options include compressed gas tanks, liquefaction, and chemical storage in the form of ammonia.
   • Distribution of green hydrogen and ammonia can be done via pipelines, trucks, railcars, or ships, depending on distance, infrastructure availability, and market demand.
   • Specific data points:
     • Hydrogen storage: Hydrogen can be stored either as a gas compressed at high pressure (up to 700 bar) or as a cryogenic liquid at temperatures below -253°C.
     • Ammonia storage: Ammonia can be stored at room temperature and moderate pressure as a liquid, requiring significantly less energy compared to hydrogen compression or liquefaction.
4. Refueling Infrastructure:
   • Refueling stations equipped with dispensers for green hydrogen or ammonia are established to serve various end-users, including fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), industrial applications, and power generation.
   • These stations adhere to safety standards and regulations to ensure the safe handling and dispensing of hydrogen or ammonia.
   • Specific data points:
     • Refueling time: Refueling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle typically takes 3 to 5 minutes, offering a comparable experience to conventional gasoline refueling.
     • Infrastructure cost: The cost of establishing hydrogen refueling stations varies but is often cited as a significant barrier to widespread adoption. However, economies of scale and technological advancements are driving down costs over time.
5. Integration with Renewable Energy Sources:
   • Green hydrogen and ammonia hubs are integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind farms to ensure a sustainable and carbon-neutral supply chain.
   • Excess renewable energy can be stored in the form of hydrogen or ammonia during periods of low demand and utilized later when demand exceeds generation capacity.
   • Specific data points:
     • Renewable energy integration: Studies have shown that coupling electrolysis with renewable energy sources can help mitigate intermittency issues and maximize the utilization of renewable energy resources.

Overall, green hydrogen and ammonia refueling hubs represent an integral component of the transition towards a low-carbon economy, offering clean and versatile energy carriers for various applications while fostering innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.

Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:

India’s First Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project By Uneecops Technologies – Uneecops Technologies plans to establish India’s inaugural green hydrogen microgrid in Leh Region, as per Energy World. India’s First Waste-to-Hydrogen Plant by TGBL in Pune – TheGreenBillions Ltd (TGBL) is launching India’s inaugural solid waste-to-hydrogen plant in Pune, costing over Rs 430 crore, reports Business Standard. MoU for Green Hydrogen Projects in Defense: NTPC REL and Indian Army – NTPC REL and the Indian Army signed an MoU for green hydrogen projects, reflecting a significant move towards sustainability and energy transition in India​​.