Context:

The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), located in Kandla, has commissioned India’s first "Make-in-India" green hydrogen plant.

Project Overview:

• Location: Deendayal Port, Kandla, Gujarat
• Capacity: 1 MW (part of a planned 10 MW expansion)
• Inauguration Date: 30 July 2025
• Key Feature: Fully indigenously developed technology using India-made electrolyzers
• Production Capacity: ~140 metric tons of green hydrogen per year
• Execution Time: Completed in just 4 months
• Key Contributors: Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

This plant is India’s first port-based green hydrogen project, utilizing indigenous engineering and technology under the Make-in-India initiative.

Green Hydrogen Production:

• Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water, using electricity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
• Electrolyzers split water into hydrogen and oxygen without any carbon emissions.
• The electrolyzers used at Kandla plant are manufactured at L&T’s Hazira plant in Gujarat.

Scalability:

• The current 1 MW plant is a part of a larger 10 MW project, whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 May 2025 in Kutch.

Environmental Impact:

Net-Zero Vision:

• Supports India’s goal of Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2070.
• Green hydrogen is a clean fuel and a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
• Promotes decarbonization of the maritime sector, especially port operations traditionally reliant on diesel.

Sustainability:

• The annual production of 140 MT of green hydrogen contributes to eco-friendly port operations.
• The project aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and its Green Port Guidelines, pushing Indian ports toward sustainability.

Green Hydrogen:

• A clean and sustainable energy source, green hydrogen is produced by splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen using a process called electrolysis, powered by renewable energy such as solar and wind.

Main Objectives:

1. Use as a clean energy source
2. Reduce carbon emissions
3. Reduce dependence on energy imports
4. Provide green alternatives in industry, transport, fertilizer, and steel sectors

Other Types of Hydrogen:

India’s Initiative: National Green Hydrogen Mission

• Announced: 15 August 2021
• Launched: January 2023

Mission Targets:

• Produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030
• Total budget: ₹19,744 crore
• Make India a global green hydrogen hub
• Promote both domestic use and exports

Make in India – Key Facts

• Launch Date: 25 September 2014
• Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Objectives:

• Promote manufacturing and investment in India
• Create employment and encourage skill development
• Make India a global manufacturing destination
• Boost exports and attract FDI

Key Sectors (25 focus sectors):

Automobile, Aviation, Defence Manufacturing, Electronics, Renewable Energy, Pharmaceuticals, IT, Railways, Textiles & Apparel, Chemicals & Fertilizers, etc.

Achievements:

• FDI Growth: India attracted over $70 billion FDI in 2023–24
• Rise in domestic manufacturing: smartphones, defense, and renewable energy equipment
• Global brands like Apple, Samsung, Tesla expanded manufacturing in India
• Defence growth: Production & export of Tejas aircraft, INS Vikrant
• Boost in renewable energy: Local production of solar/wind equipment, e.g., Kandla Green Hydrogen Plant

Aatmanirbhar Bharat :

• Announced on: 12 May 2020
• By: PM Narendra Modi
• Background: In response to COVID-19 and global supply chain disruptions

Key Goals:

• Make India self-reliant and confident
• Strengthen local production and supply chains
• Boost exports and reduce import dependency
• Encourage innovation, startups & technology
• Accelerate employment and rural-urban development

Five Pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat:

1. Economy – Growth-centric
2. Infrastructure – Foundation for future
3. Technology-driven System
4. Demography – India’s strength
5. Demand – Boost domestic consumption

Focus Sectors:

• Industry & Manufacturing (Make in India)
• Agriculture Reforms
• Health & Pharmaceuticals
• MSMEs
• Digital India & Startups
• Defence, Space, and Energy