Green Hydrogen Plant in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra is among the most industrialized states of India. So the demand for electricity to run its huge industrial base is naturally high in the state. On the other hand, demand for power from agriculture is also on the rise. With the state’s power generation mainly dependent on coal-based thermal power, which is a great emitter of carbon in the atmosphere and is also facing an imminent problem due to depleting coal stock, the state government is exploring alternative and sustainable energy resources. Green hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source and is considered a path to decarbonize industries. Progressive and eco-conscious Dy. CM Devendra Fadnavis wanted Maharashtra to take the lead in the production of green hydrogen and has signed MoUs to set up seven green hydrogen plants in the state, which are estimated to generate 64,000 jobs. The MoUs were signed at the Sahyadri Guest House with the leading companies in the power sector, including NTPC Green Energy, Avada Green Hydrogen, Renew E-Fuels, Inox Air Products, L.N.T. Green Tech, J.S.W. Green Hydrogen, and Welspun Godavari GH 2. A financial investment of Rs 2 lakh 76 thousand 300 crore will be made in the state through these seven projects.
Green Hydrogen projects: Pioneering steps to secure a greener and cleaner future
Green hydrogen can significantly curb carbon emissions across various sectors and boost industrialization without compromising environmental concerns. While India has adopted a national policy to reach an ambitious target of generating 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, Maharashtra became the first state in the country to take initiatives on green hydrogen generation, thanks to Devendra Fadnavis’ visionary insights. The state invited bids and accordingly selected seven proposals to create a cumulative 910 ktpa (kilotonnes per annum) of green hydrogen production capacity in Maharashtra. The state government signed all seven MOUs for the green hydrogen projects worth INR 276,300 crore (around $33.24 billion) on the same day. The state has identified three main industrial clusters for green hydrogen production: Mumbai-Navi Mumbai-Thane-Taloja, Thal-Dolvi-Raigad, and Chandrapur-Nagpur-Bhandara-Wardha. These projects seek to build on existing industry capabilities and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
The Japan tour of Fadnavis brought vital investments to Maharashtra
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ Japan tour proved beneficial to Maharashtra. It was a 5-day visit to Japan by Fadnavis on invitation as a state guest. While the tour secured Japanese investments in many flagship projects in the state, topics such as the Versova-Virar Sea Link, ways to prevent constant flooding in Mumbai, the Metro 11 project, etc., were discussed for technical and financial collaboration. Talks with companies like JICA and JETRO are translating into investments. Mumbai’s development will get more traction, as the NTT Group of Japan has shown readiness to double its investment in Maharashtra. Devendra Fadnavis, right after coming to power in 2014, took initiatives to establish a cordial relationship with the Japanese government and companies, which has been critical for securing investments for his development agenda.
The Metro 11 work from CSMT to Wadala will also be completed quickly. Apart from this, the 4th and 5th installments of JICA’s investments will be received soon for projects like flood prevention in Mumbai during the monsoon, the Versova to Virar Sea Link, and the speedy completion of Metro 3. Sumitomo Realty & Development from Japan has also decided to invest in Mumbai.
Apart from this, Japan will also help develop Pune as a start-up hub. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also made efforts during his visit to Japan to set up a semiconductor chip manufacturing facility in Maharashtra. A delegation of investors from Wakayama, Japan, will soon visit the state regarding setting up an international tour division of MTDC to bring Japanese tourists to India and vice versa to promote Buddhist studies and research between the two countries. All these initiatives will generate new employment opportunities in Pune and Nagpur.