Tata Steel and ACME Group partner for a mega green hydrogen and ammonia project in Odisha
Tata Steel and ACME Group have announced a partnership to set up a green hydrogen and green ammonia project in Odisha. The project will be the largest of its kind in India and one of the largest in the world. It will use renewable energy sources to produce clean fuels that can reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Project Overview:
◉ The project will cost Rs 27,000 crore and will be implemented in phases over the next five years.
◉ It will use 343 acres of land in Gopalpur Industrial Park, which is owned by Tata Steel.
◉ It will produce 1.3 million tons of green ammonia per year, which is equivalent to 0.6 million tons of green hydrogen.
◉ It will use advanced solid oxide electrolysis technology to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from solar and wind power plants.
◉ It will also use solid oxide fuel cells to convert hydrogen back into electricity when needed.
Green Ammonia Production: Logistical Advantage and Infrastructure:
◉ Green ammonia is a carbon-free fuel that can be used as a fertilizer, a chemical feedstock, or a fuel for power generation and transportation.
◉ Green ammonia has a higher energy density than hydrogen and can be stored and transported more easily using existing infrastructure.
◉ Green ammonia can also be used as a hydrogen carrier, as it can be cracked back into hydrogen and nitrogen at the point of use.
◉ The project will leverage the existing infrastructure of Tata Steel and ACME Group, such as ports, pipelines, railways, and roads, to facilitate the production, storage, and distribution of green ammonia.
Environmental Significance:
◉ The project will contribute to India’s climate goals by avoiding 2.5 million tons of CO2 emissions per year compared to conventional ammonia production from natural gas.
◉ The project will also help reduce air pollution and water consumption by eliminating the need for fossil fuels and steam reforming processes.
◉ The project will support the development of renewable energy sources in Odisha, which has a high potential for solar and wind power generation.
◉ The project will also have a positive impact on the local environment and biodiversity by using land that is not suitable for agriculture or forestry.
Economic and Global Impact:
◉ The project will create new opportunities for employment, skill development, and income generation for the local population and the state of Odisha.
◉ The project will also boost the competitiveness and profitability of Tata Steel and ACME Group, as they will be able to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.
◉ The project will also position India as a global leader in green hydrogen and green ammonia production and export, as there is a growing demand for these fuels in domestic and international markets.
◉ The project will also enhance India’s energy security and self-reliance by reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock.
The project was launched by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Parshottam Rupala, in Delhi. He praised the project for its innovation and sustainability. He said that Odisha will become a hub for green hydrogen and green ammonia in India.
Tata Steel and ACME Group are both leaders in renewable energy. Tata Steel has been making tractors in India since 1965. ACME Group has been making solar power plants and batteries in India since 2003. They have joined forces to make India a global leader in green energy.
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