In a significant step towards India’s transition to a low-carbon economy, Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) has launched a green hydrogen blending pilot project in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The project, which is expected to be commissioned by the first quarter of FY24-25, will involve blending green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources with natural gas for distribution to over 4,000 residential and commercial customers in the city.

The project is a crucial initiative to demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of hydrogen blending in India’s natural gas distribution infrastructure. It is also aligned with the country’s ambitious target of achieving a 20% share of green hydrogen in its energy mix by 2030.

ATGL, a joint venture between Adani Group and TotalEnergies, has been at the forefront of India’s natural gas sector, with a strong presence in city gas distribution and liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification. The company’s foray into green hydrogen blending marks a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

This project is part of a larger commitment by Adani and TotalEnergies to create the world’s largest green hydrogen ecosystem. The partnership aims to invest over USD 50 billion over the next 10 years in green hydrogen and associated ecosystem.

Mr. Suresh P Manglani, Executive Director & CEO of Adani Total Gas Ltd., said, “We are fully committed towards building an environmentally sustainable operation and this project represents our ongoing dedication towards national infrastructure building for India to become energy independent by 2047. This project will reduce our carbon footprint and by investing in such innovative projects, we are actively contributing to the evolution of the industry and driving progress in sustainable energy solutions.”

Key Features of the Project:

Blending ratio: The project will initially blend up to 5% green hydrogen with natural gas. The percentage of green hydrogen will be gradually increased to up to 8% or more, depending on regulatory approvals.

Technology: ATGL will employ the latest hydrogen blending technologies to ensure the safe and efficient injection of green hydrogen into the natural gas pipeline.

Environmental benefits: The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 1,500 tonnes per annum, equivalent to taking approximately 300 cars off the road.

The successful implementation of ATGL’s green hydrogen blending pilot project is expected to have a positive impact on the Indian natural gas sector by:

Accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen as a clean energy source

Encouraging other natural gas distribution companies to explore hydrogen blending opportunities

Paving the way for a wider hydrogen economy in India

India’s Embrace of Green Hydrogen

India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer, has set its sights on becoming energy independent by 2047 and achieving Net Zero by 2070.

To achieve this target, the country is focusing on increasing renewable energy use across all economic spheres, with green hydrogen considered a promising alternative. Recognizing the potential of this clean fuel to decarbonize various sectors, the country has taken several initiatives to foster its development and utilization.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet of India. The mission aims to make India a leading producer and supplier of green hydrogen in the world, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and develop indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The mission outcomes projected by 2030 include the development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes per annum.

A report by NITI Aayog [PDF] highlights that green hydrogen can substantially spur industrial decarbonisation and economic growth for India in the coming decades. The report concludes that hydrogen demand in India could grow more than fourfold by 2050, representing almost 10% of global demand.

The report suggests several policy measures to promote the growth of green hydrogen in India. These include forming Green Hydrogen Corridors, providing grants to startups, facilitating investment through demand aggregation and dollar-based bidding for green hydrogen, and initiating Green Hydrogen standards and a labelling programme.

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