GreenH Electrolysis Unveils 1 MW PEM Electrolyser In India

GreenH Electrolysis, a joint venture between H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies, and GR Promoter Group, today unveiled their first 1 MW PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) Electrolyser at its manufacturing plant in Jhajjar in Haryana. This electrolyser will be used in fueling India’s first hydrogen-powered train. 

This 1 MW PEM electrolyser will be installed at the hydrogen production and refueling station at Jind, Haryana, and will supply hydrogen to India’s first hydrogen-powered train under the Indian Railways’ “Hydrogen for Heritage” initiative. The electrolyser will operate round the clock producing approximately 430 kg/day of hydrogen at a delivery pressure of 40 bar (g) and purity as per ISO 14687 suitable for Fuel Cell applications. The refueling infrastructure at Jind will also have a 3,000 kg hydrogen storage, hydrogen compressor, and two hydrogen dispensers with pre-cooler integration, allowing for quick refueling of the trains.

Dhiman Roy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director, of GreenH Electrolysis Pvt. Ltd. said, “With the support of our parent companies, GR Promoter Group and H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies we are well poised to play an important role in India’s green hydrogen plans as part of our efforts to answer the clarion call of our country to go green and clean. This milestone is only the beginning and as an organisation, each member of the GreenH family is excited to work towards laying the foundation for a sustainable tomorrow.”

Anselmo Andrade, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founding Partner, H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies, said, “Congratulations to the GreenH team on the unveiling of its first PEM Electrolyser in India. We look forward to enhancing our partnership with GreenH and are confident that our technological expertise will enable GreenH to effectively meet the growing demand for renewable hydrogen in the country.”

Ashwin Agarwal, Director, GR Promoter Group. said, “This electrolyser, developed for Indian Railways’ prestigious ‘Heritage for Hydrogen’ project, signifies an important milestone in GreenH’s journey and the progress of the sector in the country.”

The event was graced with the presence of Vinod Agarwal, Chairman and Wholetime Director of GR Infraprojects Ltd., along with Anselmo Andrade, (CEO) and Founding Partner of H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies, and Romen Rawat, Chief Project Manager/Hydrogen Trainset, Indian Railways.

The recent Government policies and schemes have been a catalyst for India’s green hydrogen story, encouraging innovation and attracting investments. Green hydrogen has the potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, thus helping reduce carbon emissions. Backed by the experience of H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies, and GR Promoter Group, GreenH is committed to contributing to the Indian Government’s Green Hydrogen Mission and the country’s endeavours to achieve its energy transition goals.

India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train

The Indian Railways is now working towards using Hydrogen as a fuel to run a specially crafted train on a pilot basis. As per the plan, a train to be powered with Hydrogen will run from Jind in Haryana to Sonipat in the first trial. The ministry has planned to use Jind as a refuelling station for Hydrogen. The ministry earlier had issued a tender in this regard and awarded the contract to Medha Servo Drives. Medha later sub contracted these contracts for Green H for the electrolyser while it gave contract to other agency to make a special rail engine in Chennai which can run on Hydrogen. 

As per the information given by the ministry before the Parliament, Indian Railways (IR) has envisaged to run 35 (thirty five) Hydrogen trains under “Hydrogen for Heritage” at an estimated cost of ₹ 80 crores per train and ground infrastructure of ₹ 70 crores per route on various heritage/hill routes. Besides, the ministry also awarded a pilot project for retro fitment of Hydrogen Fuel cell on existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rake along with ground infrastructure at the cost of ₹ 111.83 crores which is planned to be run on Jind –Sonipat section of Northern Railway.

“The running cost of Hydrogen fuel based train is not established in Indian Railway scenario. It is estimated that the initial running cost of Hydrogen fuel train-set will be higher which will subsequently reduce with increase in number of trains. Further, the use of Hydrogen as fuel provides larger benefits in the direction of green transportation technology to support zero carbon emission goals as a clean energy source,” the ministry had told Rajya Sabha on February 2023.