- India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has introduced a scheme, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, to support the retrofitting of existing vessels for green hydrogen propulsion.
- With a budget of $13.8 million (Rs 115 crores), the initiative aims to deploy green hydrogen as a ship propulsion fuel on a pilot basis.
- The guidelines also focus on evaluating technical feasibility, economic viability, and operational safety, while facilitating the development of bunkering and refueling infrastructure for green hydrogen-based fuels in Indian ports.
Government Initiative for Green Hydrogen Retrofitting
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has unveiled a scheme, titled “Scheme Guidelines for implementation of Pilot projects for use of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).” The initiative supports retrofitting existing vessels for green hydrogen propulsion, emphasizing pilot projects to assess feasibility and performance.
Objectives of the Scheme
The scheme outlines specific objectives, including the deployment of green hydrogen and its derivatives as ship propulsion fuel on a pilot basis. It aims to validate technical feasibility, evaluate economic viability, assess effectiveness in ship propulsion, and demonstrate safe operations of green hydrogen-based systems, emphasizing bunkering and refueling infrastructure development in ports.
Total Budget and Duration
The total budget for projects under this scheme amounts to $13.8 million (Rs 115 crores). The initiative aligns with India’s broader National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023, which aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export. The retrofitting scheme is part of India’s commitment to decarbonization and reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports.
Shipping Corporation of India’s Role
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is actively involved in the initiative, committed to retrofitting at least two ships to run on green hydrogen or its derivatives by 2027. The mission also envisions the establishment of green ammonia bunkers and refueling facilities in at least one port by 2025.
Key Sectors Driving Green Hydrogen Demand
Shipping and port operations are identified as key sectors likely to drive future green hydrogen demand and trade. The initiative focuses on developing refueling hubs, propulsion systems, and supply chains to support the use of green hydrogen or its derivatives in maritime transport, contributing to the broader goals of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Prospects and Decarbonization in Maritime Sector
The maritime transport sector and ports hold significant potential for decarbonization through the use of green hydrogen or its derivatives. The scheme underscores the potential development of green hydrogen infrastructure at Indian ports, adoption in ship propulsion systems, and the creation of supply chains to support exports, aligning with global clean energy trends.
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Source: NGO Shipbreaking Platform
