Strategically nestled along India's South Eastern coast, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin, an autonomous entity under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MOPSW), Government of India, stands as one of the nation's most rapidly burgeoning major ports. The Port has handled a record traffic of 41.40 million tonnes during the last financial year. 

In a resolute endeavour to bolster renewable energy adoption, the Ministry for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is steadfastly propelling major ports of India towards a 60% share of renewable energy in total power consumption, targeting a commendable reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. 

Green hydrogen is produced by the process of electrolysis where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydropower. This process results in a clean and emission-free fuel that has immense potential to replace fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. 

In a bid to catalyze India's prominence in the global green hydrogen arena, the Ministry of Shipping and Ports has identified three major ports viz., Kandla, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port, as nodal ports for developing hydrogen hubs, capable of handling, storage, and production of green hydrogen. 

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has also recognized V.O. Chidambaranar Port, as the nodal port in the East Coast of India for green hydrogen projects. This strategic initiative aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to harness hydrogen's potential in various industrial sectors. 

Endowed with a prime location along international maritime routes and bolstered by seamless connectivity to hinterland industries via robust road and rail networks, V.O. Chidambaranar Port emerges as an ideal enclave for the production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. 

The biggest challenge in becoming a green hydrogen hub is the availability of water. To overcome this, VOC Port has already initiated a proposal to establish a 5 MLD desalination plant, with several firms expressing keen interest in setting up the facilities within the port area. The renewable power required for manufacturing of green hydrogen shall be arranged by the concerned agency through the National grid.

Green hydrogen can serve as a clean fuel for port crafts, including tugboats, ferries, and other maritime vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cells can power cargo handling equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and trucks within the port, reducing emission. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide reliable backup power for critical port infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Moreover, an indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry built by Cochin Shipyard Limited was launched by our Hon’ble Prime Minister at VOC Port, Tuticorin on February 28, 2024. This zero-emission, zero-noise vessel is a revolutionary step towards India becoming a hydrogen fuel vessel manufacturer.  

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) also has plans to convert its existing two ships to run on green hydrogen and it has been targeted to convert at least 50 per cent of all tugs of the major ports in India into Green Tugs by 2030. Green hydrogen can also replace fossil fuels in refining, fertilizer production, iron and steel manufacturing, chemical production. 

Embracing the ethos of Viksit Bharat, V.O. Chidambaranar Port has embarked on a mission to set up a green hydrogen pilot plant in the port area. The renewable energy required to produce green hydrogen shall be made available from the port’s existing 5 MW solar power plant / 2 MW wind turbine generator. To execute the project, a proposal seeking budgetary offer is being invited from the prospective firms. The above initiative is being undertaken to instil investor confidence in executing the green hydrogen plant in the port area. 

For development of green hydrogen and its derivatives in the port lands, MoU’s have been exchanged with ACME, NTPC Green Energy Limited, ReNew Power, EG Solwin Hybrid Private Limited and Green Infra Renewable Energy Farms Private Limited. 

With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation, V.O. Chidambaranar Port is emerging as a pioneer in India's quest for green hydrogen. Through strategic partnerships, pioneering initiatives, and a proactive approach, the port is poised to redefine the maritime landscape, heralding a new era of clean energy prosperity.