India’s First Multi-Purpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project: A Milestone in Clean Energy Transition

SJVN Limited, a leading Public Sector Undertaking, has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating India’s first multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project at the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh. This project represents a critical step toward decarbonizing industrial processes and diversifying energy sources under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

The pilot plant is designed to produce 14 kilograms of green hydrogen daily. It utilizes a 20 Nm3/hr capacity alkaline electrolyzer, which is powered by a 1.31 MW solar power plant located in Wadhal, Shimla. The 'multi-purpose' nature of the project is its defining feature: the produced hydrogen will be used for the High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) coating of turbine underwater parts to prevent erosion and will also be converted back into electricity through a 25 kW fuel cell.

This initiative is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the feasibility of integrating renewable energy sources (solar and hydro) with hydrogen technology in challenging Himalayan terrains. Second, it addresses specific industrial needs within the power sector, such as turbine maintenance, which currently relies on conventional fuels. By replacing these with green hydrogen, the project reduces the carbon footprint of the hydropower plant itself. Furthermore, the successful operation of this pilot plant provides a proof-of-concept for the commercial viability of green hydrogen in diverse industrial applications.

The project aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. It serves as a template for other state-owned enterprises to adopt indigenous green technologies. As India aims for Net Zero by 2070, such pilot projects provide the necessary data and operational experience to scale up hydrogen infrastructure across the country, ensuring energy security and environmental sustainability.