India’s NETRA Launches World’s First Plasma Oxy Gasification Plant for High-Purity Green Hydrogen Production

NETRA, the R&D division of NTPC Ltd., is setting new benchmarks in green hydrogen production by establishing a cutting-edge plant that will leverage Plasma Oxy Gasification technology to process municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural waste. Upon completion, this project will be the first of its kind globally, utilizing plasma-assisted oxy gasification to convert MSW and agri-waste into a high-quality synthesis gas (syn-gas). This syn-gas will then undergo a novel separation process using advanced gas membranes and pressure swing adsorption techniques to produce hydrogen with a purity of over 99.9%.

The demonstration plant is expected to generate approximately 1 tonne of green hydrogen daily by processing around 25 tonnes of waste. In addition, carbon monoxide extracted from the hydrogen recovery system will be harnessed to produce electricity via a low-calorie gas engine, showcasing a unique model of energy recovery and efficiency.

This approach marks a significant alternative to electrolysis, an energy-intensive hydrogen production process that consumes roughly 55-60 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen. By turning to gasification and reformation of waste, NETRA is setting a sustainable path in green hydrogen production, aligning with NTPC’s commitment to circular economy principles and energy transition goals.

This pioneering initiative not only demonstrates NETRA’s dedication to developing viable green technologies but also opens new possibilities for NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a wholly-owned NTPC subsidiary, to expand its role in the green hydrogen sector.