In a significant move towards sustainable maritime practices, the President of India has given the green light for the initiation of the Scheme for Pilot Projects on the utilization of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen Division, issued the directive dated February 1, 2024, outlining the objectives and guidelines for the implementation of this groundbreaking initiative.
The primary objectives of the scheme include supporting the deployment of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives as ship propulsion fuel on a pilot basis, validating their technical feasibility and performance in real-world operational conditions, and evaluating the economic viability of their usage in the shipping sector. The scheme also aims to assess the effectiveness of Green Hydrogen in ship propulsion, bunkering, and refueling systems at ports, as well as to demonstrate safe and secure operations.
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) or its successor has been designated as the Implementing Agency for retrofitting existing ships, while the creation of bunkers and refueling facilities falls under the purview of the agency nominated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).
This initiative aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s overarching goal of promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing the carbon footprint in the shipping sector. The scheme’s implementation details are outlined in an annexure accompanying the directive. Notably, the approval has received the endorsement of the Hon’ble Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, marking a significant step towards cleaner and greener maritime operations.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
