Cochin all set to become a Lighthouse Port for Green Hydrogen
Cochin Port Authority (CoPA), in association with the Indian Ports Association (IPA), hosted a workshop on the “Pathway for a Successful Green Hydrogen Pilot at Cochin Port” earlier this month. This workshop marked the beginning of the Green Hydrogen Pilot Planning, with over 50 industry partners from 25 institutions, including green hydrogen developers, consumers, electrolyser providers, and multilateral organisations attending the event, said a release.
The workshop was inaugurated by Mr B. Kasiviswanathan, Chairman of Cochin Port Authority, Mr Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman of V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, and Mr Vikas Narwal, Deputy Chairman of CoPA and Managing Director of Indian Ports Association.
Green Port
The ‘Harit Sagar’ - Green Port Guidelines aim to achieve a Zero Carbon Emission goal by establishing ‘Green Ammonia’ bunkers and refuelling facilities at Major Ports by 2035. With its exceptional connectivity to domestic and international shipping routes, Cochin could serve as a potential testing ground for green hydrogen initiatives. This gives Cochin Port Authority an opportunity to emerge as a “Lighthouse Port,” setting a precedent for other ports to lead the green hydrogen transition, highlighted a release.
Mr B. Kasiviswanathan, in his keynote address, said, “Cochin Port already has existing capabilities and rich experience of handing liquid cargo, especially chemicals like ammonia. The port therefore will be in an advantageous situation to build bunkering facility for green hydrogen and its derivatives”.
While discussing the insights from Tuticorin’s efforts towards green hydrogen projects, Mr Susanta K. Purohit highlighted the progress at VOCPA in the development of green hydrogen projects. He said, “The port is planning to close the tender for a 60 KW electrolyser with an aim to commission in next quarter”.
Affordable, accessible and reliable renewable power is essential for the success of green hydrogen projects. The Government of Kerala’s Department of Energy will play a critical role in promoting green hydrogen pilots, leading to the development of green hydrogen hubs.
In his keynote address and presentation, Mr K. R. Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy and General Administration Department, Govt. of Kerala, presented the opportunity the state offers, highlighting that “Kerala is unique, as it offers not only intrinsic demand, but also a strategic location and action plan for developing the hydrogen valley”.
A Hydrogen Valley is a defined geographical area where hydrogen serves more than one end sector or application in mobility, industry and energy.
The leadership at Cochin Port Authority expressed their commitment to exploring various project proposals for developing green hydrogen pilots. Cochin Port Authority will invite proposal ideas from stakeholders in the upcoming months to finalise the scope of the pilot project. Cochin Port Authority, Indian Ports Association and industry stakeholders will prioritise working together on these proposals.
The authorities are focusing on inviting Expressions of Interest within the next one month and executing the pilot production within a year.
In his closing remarks, Mr Vikas Narwal highlighted that this project development will be promoted on priority for an expeditious implementation. He said, “Shipping vessels, exports and domestic use in fertiliser units and refinery complexes could be the priority off-takers for this pilot. He further assured that Indian Ports Association and Cochin Port Authority will go the extra mile to support this project development and execution”.
Source: Exim News Service: Kochi, June 25