Kerala: Cochin Poised To Emerge As Lighthouse Port For Green Hydrogen

The Cochin Port Authority in Kerala is set to invite Expressions of Interest (EoIs) to execute a green hydrogen pilot project, with production expected to start within a year.

Chairman B Kasiviswanathan highlighted Cochin Port's advantage in handling liquid cargo and chemicals, positioning it well for developing green hydrogen bunkering facilities. He announced this at a workshop on green hydrogen organised by the Indian Ports Association.

Officials revealed that Cochin Port is exploring various proposals for the green hydrogen pilot, inviting stakeholders to contribute ideas. The initiative aligns with the ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines, aiming for zero carbon emissions and establishing green ammonia bunkers by 2035. Cochin’s strategic location and connectivity make it a prime candidate for these initiatives, potentially emerging as a "lighthouse port" for green hydrogen, reports Bussinessline.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman of VO Chidambaranar Port Authority, discussed similar progress in Tuticorin, planning to commission a 60 KW electrolyser soon. KR Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary of Kerala's Department of Energy, emphasised Kerala's strategic position and action plan for hydrogen development.

Vikas Narwal, Deputy Chairman of CoPA and Managing Director of the Indian Ports Association, assured that the project would prioritise rapid development and execution, focusing on shipping vessels, fertiliser units, and refineries as primary off-takers. The workshop included over 50 industry partners, marking the start of the green hydrogen pilot planning.

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is generated through the electrolysis of water using electricity derived from renewable sources. The carbon footprint of this process hinges on the carbon neutrality of the electricity source. In simpler terms, the more renewable energy in the electricity mix, the greener the produced hydrogen becomes.

Central to the green hydrogen production process is the electrolyser technology. Alkaline and polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysers are two commercially available technologies for green hydrogen production today. Advanced electrolyser technologies like solid oxide and anion exchange membranes nearing commercial deployment as well.