Green Hydrogen Project India 2025 inaugurated at VOC Port by Sarbananda Sonowal includes methanol bunkering, solar and wind energy projects to boost sustainable maritime infrastructure.
Green Hydrogen Takes Center Stage at Tuticorin Port
Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India’s first port-based green hydrogen pilot project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, on September 5, 2025. The pilot facility, costing ₹3.87 crore and boasting a capacity of 10 Nm³/hr, will power streetlights and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the port colony, marking a significant leap toward sustainable maritime infrastructure.
A Cluster of Green Energy Initiatives
In addition to the green hydrogen facility, Sonowal laid the foundation for a green methanol bunkering facility (capacity: 750 m³; cost: ₹35.34 crore), aiding the upcoming Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin A 400 kW rooftop solar plant, bringing the port’s total solar capacity to 1.04 MW (highest among Indian ports), was also inaugurated
Infrastructure Upgrades for Enhanced Capacity
The event saw the launch of a link conveyor for coal handling (cost: ₹24.5 crore), expected to improve port productivity and reduce vessel turnaround time The foundation stones for a 6 MW wind farm (₹59.2 crore), a multi-cargo berth (₹90 crore; capacity: 10 million tonnes), a 4-lane, 3.37 km road (₹34.77 crore), and a Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum (₹3 crore) were also laid
Strategic Collaborations for Future Growth
VOC Port signed MoUs with IPRCL for rail connectivity to the outer harbour and with NTPC to advance green mobility initiatives The inauguration coincided with the 154th birth anniversary of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar, adding symbolic importance to the event
B) Why This News Is Important
Heading: Strategic Leap toward Sustainable Maritime Growth
The inauguration of the green hydrogen pilot plant at India’s VOC Port signifies a monumental step in the nation’s transition to clean energy. It sets a precedent for port-based renewable energy applications, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, especially in heavy sectors like maritime and logistics.
Heading: Catalyzing Renewable Energy Adoption
This initiative accompanies several green projects—green methanol bunkering, solar upgrades, and wind power integration—forming a robust renewable energy ecosystem. It illustrates India’s commitment to achieving net-zero targets and establishing green mobility corridors, such as the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor.
Heading: Enhancing Port Capacity and Regional Development
Beyond sustainability, the infrastructure developments—multi-cargo berth, coal handling conveyors, access roads, and solar capacities—are poised to bolster VOC Port’s operational efficiency and throughput. This will augment regional trade, generate employment, attract investments, and contribute to India’s broader economic ambitions of reaching a $5 trillion economy by 2027.
Heading: Symbolism Meets Innovation
Launched on the birth anniversary of V.O. Chidambaranar, a pioneer of indigenous maritime enterprise, the event ties India’s historical maritime sovereignty to its modern green infrastructure goals—reflecting both symbolic resonance and technological ambition.
C) Historical Context: Background and Relevance
Maritime Legacy of V.O. Chidambaranar
V.O. Chidambaranar, fondly known as “Kappal Ottiya Thamizhan,” founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in the early 20th century as an act of economic defiance against colonial trade monopolies. His maritime entrepreneurship embodied the Swadeshi ethos and inspired generations in India’s independence movement.
Rise of Green Hydrogen in India’s Energy Landscape
Green hydrogen has emerged globally as a potential game-changer in decarbonizing industries like shipping, steel, and transport. In India, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved in January 2023 and backed by substantial funding, aims to position the country as a global green hydrogen hub, facilitating both domestic use and export-led growth.
Maritime Modernisation under Sagarmala and Green Push
VOC Port’s transformation is part of the Sagarmala initiative, aimed at modernizing India’s ports. Recent green projects—hydrogen, methanol, solar, wind—underscore a strategic shift toward sustainability in maritime infrastructure, blending capacity expansion with environmental responsibility.
D) Key Takeaways from This News: Tuticorin Ports’ Green Leap
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | India’s first port-based green hydrogen pilot project launched at VOC Port (capacity: 10 Nm³/hr; cost: ₹3.87 crore). |
| 2 | Additional green energy initiatives: green methanol bunkering (750 m³), 1.04 MW rooftop solar, and 6 MW wind farm. |
| 3 | Major infrastructure upgrades: multi-cargo berth (10 MT capacity), coal conveyor, 4-lane road, maritime museum. |
| 4 | Strategic MoUs: IPRCL for rail connectivity; NTPC for green mobility at the port. |
| 5 | Event held on V.O. Chidambaranar’s 154th birth anniversary, linking maritime heritage to sustainable development. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of the green hydrogen project at VOC Port?
The green hydrogen pilot project at VOC Port is India’s first port-based green hydrogen initiative. It supports sustainable energy usage by powering streetlights and an EV charging station, marking a step toward decarbonizing maritime infrastructure.
2. Who inaugurated the green hydrogen project at Tuticorin Port?
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the project on September 5, 2025.
3. What are the other green energy initiatives launched at VOC Port along with the hydrogen project?
Other initiatives include a green methanol bunkering facility (750 m³), rooftop solar plants totaling 1.04 MW, and a 6 MW wind farm.
4. What is the historical significance of the inauguration date?
The inauguration coincided with the 154th birth anniversary of V.O. Chidambaranar, a pioneer in India’s maritime sector.
5. How will these projects impact port operations and regional development?
The projects will improve port efficiency through upgraded cargo handling, enhance renewable energy usage, reduce carbon emissions, promote green shipping corridors, and boost local economic growth.
6. What is the National Green Hydrogen Mission?
Launched in January 2023, this mission aims to develop India as a global green hydrogen hub, supporting domestic and international decarbonization initiatives.
7. What is the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor?
It is a government initiative to promote green shipping between Kandla and Tuticorin, integrating sustainable fuel and energy technologies at ports.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
