In a recent development, Prasad Mookherjee Port (SMP), previously known as Kolkata Port Trust, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTPC Green Energy (NGEL), a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, to collaborate on the establishment of a green hydrogen and ammonia hub at the port. The objective of this partnership is to explore opportunities related to the production, storage, handling, and bunkering of green hydrogen, green ammonia, and their derivatives, leveraging the port’s infrastructure and capabilities.
This initiative is aligned with India’s National Hydrogen Mission, emphasizing the pivotal role of shipping and port operations in facilitating the green energy trade. Ports are being transformed to support the export of green energy, a crucial step in India’s ambition to become a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen.
The MoU encompasses the formation of a joint working group responsible for conducting a feasibility study, identifying suitable land for the project, and deliberating on financial models for the clean energy endeavor. The project is estimated to require 300-500 acres of land, with SMP considering both its own land parcels and those from third parties during the feasibility assessment.
This ambitious project at SMP aligns with India’s goal to export around 5 million tons per annum of green hydrogen and its derivatives by 2030. Additionally, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has identified three other major ports – Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin – for similar green hydrogen export purposes.
Notably, NTPC, India’s largest power utility, has established NGEL to expand its renewable energy portfolio, making it a key player in this green energy venture. The development of the green hydrogen and ammonia hub at SMP is expected to promote sustainable practices, decarbonize port operations, and create new business opportunities, further boosting the port’s growth. In the previous fiscal year, SMP recorded significant growth, with cargo handling increasing by 13 percent and traffic reaching an all-time high of 7.5 million tonnes.
