On July 31, 2025, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, commissioned India’s first ‘Make in India’ 1 MW green hydrogen plant, marking a historic milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. Inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, this facility is the first phase of a planned 10 MW project and the first green hydrogen plant at an Indian port. This achievement, completed in just four months, aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Maritime India Vision 2030, reinforcing India’s commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2070.
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Key Features of the Green Hydrogen Plant
- Capacity and Output: The 1 MW plant produces approximately 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually, using indigenously manufactured electrolyzers powered by renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind).
- Applications: Initially powers 11 buses and street lighting at the port, with plans to fuel vehicles, tugs, vessels, and eventually all port operations.
- Indigenous Technology: A fully Make in India initiative, executed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Indian engineers, showcasing self-reliance in clean energy technology.
- Rapid Execution: Completed in four months since the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 26, 2025, in Bhuj, Gujarat.
- Expansion Plans: An additional 5 MW by the end of FY 2025–26, with the full 10 MW facility operational by mid-2026–27.
Significance for Maritime Decarbonization
The Kandla plant is a pivotal step in decarbonizing India’s maritime sector, reducing reliance on fossil fuels in logistics, transport, and port operations. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is a versatile, eco-friendly fuel for:
- Power Plants: Generating clean electricity.
- Transport: Fueling hydrogen-powered vehicles and vessels.
- Industry: Replacing fossil fuels in steel, cement, and other sectors.
This initiative positions Deendayal Port as a national pioneer in sustainable port operations, setting a model for other Indian ports under the Green Port Initiative. - Key Points for Exams:
- First Make in India green hydrogen plant at a port, located at Kandla, Gujarat.
- Produces 140 metric tonnes annually; part of a 10 MW project.
- Supports Maritime India Vision 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.
- Question Example: Where was India’s first ‘Make in India’ green hydrogen plant commissioned in 2025?
Answer: Deendayal Port, Kandla, Gujarat.
Government and Industry Support
- Leadership Endorsements:
- PM Narendra Modi hailed the project as a “commendable effort, powering our Net-Zero vision” in a post on X, emphasizing its role in sustainable development.
- Sarbananda Sonowal called it a “new benchmark” for green hydrogen execution, praising DPA’s “speed, scale, and skill” and L&T’s engineering excellence.
- Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State, described it as a “proud moment for Gujarat and the nation,” highlighting India’s leadership in clean energy.
- DPA’s Role: Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh noted the project’s national significance, with DPA leading as India’s first port to operationalize a megawatt-scale green hydrogen facility.
- L&T’s Contribution: The engineering firm’s swift execution underscores India’s capacity for complex clean energy projects.
Alignment with National and Global Goals
The plant aligns with:
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production by 2030, reducing fossil fuel dependence.
- Maritime India Vision 2030: Promotes sustainable port operations and green technologies.
- COP 26 Commitment: India’s pledge for Net Zero by 2070, with green hydrogen as a key driver for decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors like shipping.
- Gujarat’s Leadership: Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat is spearheading renewable energy projects, reinforcing its role in India’s green transformation.
Broader Implications
- Environmental Impact: The plant reduces carbon emissions in maritime operations, supporting climate change resilience and energy security.
- Economic Benefits: Attracts foreign investments and fosters job creation in the green hydrogen sector.
- Scalability: DPA aims to power entire port operations with green hydrogen, setting a precedent for other ports and industries.
- Global Leadership: Positions India as a frontrunner in the global green hydrogen economy, critical for sectors like shipping and heavy industry.
Exam-Relevant Insights
For competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, or Banking, key details include:
- Location and Scale: First 1 MW green hydrogen plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla, part of a 10 MW project.
- Timeline: Commissioned on July 31, 2025, four months after foundation on May 26, 2025.
- Key Figures: Narendra Modi (foundation), Sarbananda Sonowal (inauguration), L&T (execution).
- Significance: Advances Make in India, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and Net Zero 2070 goals.
- Question Example: What is the significance of the green hydrogen plant commissioned at Kandla Port in 2025?
Answer: It’s India’s first ‘Make in India’ 1 MW green hydrogen facility, promoting maritime decarbonization and sustainable energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
