India takes a significant step in renewable energy with the inauguration of its first multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project at the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Himachal Pradesh’s Jhakri. Spearheaded by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), the project aims to produce green hydrogen through renewable energy sources.
Project Overview
The project features a 20Nm3/hr electrolyzer and 25kW fuel cell capacity-based green hydrogen pilot system. It is the nation’s first multi-purpose green hydrogen generation plant, serving both electricity generation and the high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) coating facility of NJHPS.
Renewable Energy Integration
Utilizing renewable energy from SJVN’s 1.31 MW solar power plant located in Wadhal, Himachal Pradesh, the project employs an alkaline electrolyzer to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This integration allows for sustainable hydrogen production.
Daily Production and Usage
During eight hours of operation, the pilot project is set to produce 14 kg of green hydrogen daily, stored in six storage tanks. This green hydrogen will serve dual purposes: facilitating HVOF coating of turbine underwater parts and generating electricity through its 25 kW fuel cell.
National Impact
Aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission of the Government of India, SJVN’s initiative accelerates the development of green hydrogen production infrastructure in the power sector. Geeta Kapur, Chairman and Managing Director of SJVN, emphasizes the project’s role in establishing green hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Remote Operation Innovation
Kapur also inaugurated the centralized operation of NJHPS and Rampur Hydro Power Station (RHPS), demonstrating innovative remote control capabilities by operating Unit-2 of RHPS from the NJHPS control room at Jhakri. This showcases advancements in efficient hydroelectric power management.