Green Energy

Modi Govt looks at transforming green hydrogen transportation through pipelines

As the quest for the green energy is gaining momentum to defeat the vagaries of climate change due to emission, the Central Government is now mulling to undertake a challenging project under which the green hydrogen will be transported throughout the country through widespread network of pipelines.

In a key development, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has partnered state-owned companies like GAIL, IOCL, and NTPC and has started conducting a feasibility study to assess the possibilities and cost efficiency of transporting green hydrogen through pipelines from renewable energy zones to ports.

The objective of transporting H2 through pipelines is to meeting both domestic demand and export needs.

Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the CEA, emphasized that green hydrogen requires power and can potentially be transported through pipelines. To address the challenge of building extensive transmission lines, the CEA has formed a dedicated team with GAIL, IOCL, NTPC, and others to explore the feasibility of using green hydrogen pipelines as a more cost-effective alternative.

In one pilot study examining the transport of green hydrogen between Rajasthan and Paradip port, the CEA and its team found that pipelines could be a cheaper option compared to transmission lines. Prasad held that there were significant challenges in meeting energy requirements and providing adequate transmission infrastructure.

He stressed the need for viable distribution systems that can absorb and optimize renewable energy, ensuring green power reaches these areas efficiently.

Currently, green hydrogen is converted into green ammonia for transportation but challenges still persist. In March, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) announced it was exploring methods to blend hydrogen with natural gas and transport green hydrogen through natural gas pipelines. Out of the 33,000 km of natural gas transmission pipelines authorized, 24,000 km is operational.

To meet the target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, the CEA has developed resource adequacy plans for all discoms.

Subhash Yadav

Recent Posts

India’s Ethanol Programme: Strategic Need, Economic Caveat, Sustainability Question Mark

Let us start with what is not in dispute. India crossed the 20 per cent…

5 hours ago

Suzuki, NDDB & Purabi Dairy to build CBG plant in Assam

Assam is set to build a compressed biogas (CBG) plant through a collaborative initiative involving…

7 hours ago

Indian Biogas Association (IBA) to skill 50,000 ex-armymen for biogas sector

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Army Welfare…

7 hours ago

BatX Energies bags Rs 105 cr from IvyCap for battery recycling

BatX Energies has raised Rs 105 crore in a Series A funding round to accelerate…

2 days ago

Modi Govt says ethanol blending (E20) not harmful to vehicles, dismisses concerns

The government has defended its ethanol blending programme, asserting that it is grounded in extensive…

2 days ago

NITI Aayog says recycling is necessary for India’s critical minerals security

The 15th India Minerals & Metals Forum was organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce…

2 days ago