Green Energy Boost: L&T, Reliance To Invest Rs One Lakh Crore In Kandla Port

In a significant move towards bolstering India's green energy infrastructure, prominent conglomerates including Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Greenko Group, and Welspun New Energy have successfully secured land parcels at Gujarat's Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla.

These parcels are designated for the establishment of green hydrogen and green ammonia production units.

Industry executives have disclosed that the combined investment in these ventures could soar up to Rs one lakh crore, marking it as one of the most substantial investments in India's green energy sector. The port authority had invited expressions of interest for 14 land parcels, each spanning 300 acres, in October 2023. These parcels were specifically earmarked for the production of one million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of green ammonia.

Last month, the DPA officially allocated the plots to the four aforementioned companies. According to the report, RIL secured six plots, L&T obtained five, Greenko Group acquired two, and Welspun New Energy secured one plot.

"DPA offered 14 plots with around 4,000 acres of land in total. Of these, RIL has been allotted six plots, L&T has been allotted five, Greenko Group has bagged two, and Welspun New Energy has been allotted one plot. These four companies had bid the highest in the auction," an executive elaborated, Economic Times.

This strategic move aligns with the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen production, utilisation, and export. By 2030, the mission aims to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 MTPA, accompanied by an addition of approximately 125 GW in renewable energy capacity. Furthermore, it anticipates a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports by over Rs one lakh crore.

Kandla Port is set to play a pivotal role in these endeavors, targeting a production capacity of 7 MTPA for green ammonia and 1.4 MTPA for green hydrogen. Green hydrogen, generated through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources, is devoid of any greenhouse gas emissions. Ammonia serves as a vital end-user segment for green hydrogen, facilitating the scaling up of its production.