Clean Energy Push: Adani Total Gas Commissions India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Blending Project In Ahmedabad

Adani Group has commenced the blending of green hydrogen into the natural gas supplied for households in parts of Ahmedabad.

The move aims to reduce emissions and contribute to the company's net-zero goals.

Adani Total Gas Ltd, a city gas distribution joint venture between Adani Group and French energy major TotalEnergies, has begun mixing 2.2-2.3 per cent green hydrogen with piped natural gas supplies in Shantigram, Ahmedabad.

"We are thrilled to announce the successful commissioning of our Hydrogen Blending System and in-situ Hydrogen Generation at Adani Shantigram, Ahmedabad," the company said in a post on LinkedIn.

Green hydrogen, generated through sustainable methods such as wind and solar power, is added to natural gas pipelines, creating a blend that results in lower emissions during cooking and heating.

This Green hydrogen hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, and then mixed with the natural gas supplied to households and industries.

"This project will provide uninterrupted hydrogen-blended natural gas to 4,000 domestic and commercial consumers," the company said.

Currently, state-run NTPC is supplying green hydrogen blended natural gas to households in Kawas in Gujarat's Surat district.

Similarly, GAIL (India) Ltd is also conducting a pilot project in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to supply CNG blended with grey hydrogen.

Grey hydrogen is created from natural gas, or methane, using steam methane reformation but without capturing the greenhouse gases made in the process. 

ATGL's project is the biggest so far.

ATGL plans to gradually raise the green hydrogen blend in its natural gas supply to 5 per cent, and ultimately to 8 per cent.

The supply area will also expand beyond Shantigram to other parts of Ahmedabad, and eventually across other areas where the company holds a city gas license.

"This achievement marks a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to cleaner energy solutions. By blending hydrogen with natural gas, we are lowering greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and supporting sustainable development aligned to our honorable PM’s vision," ATGL said.

"It reaffirms our commitment to sustainability. It paves the way for a cleaner, greener future, ensuring cleaner and healthier air for everyone," the company added.

Although green hydrogen, which has nil carbon emissions, is hailed as a fuel of the future, its tendency to corrode pipelines and equipment limits its usage.

However, tests have shown that blending up to 10 per cent hydrogen into natural gas does not affect the pipelines or equipment.

Higher blends, up to 30 per cent, are possible with a change in material grade and wall thickness of pipelines and equipment.

Hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in the global energy transition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It can be derived from various sources, including fossil fuels, biomass, and water.

However, the high cost of hydrogen production continues to be a significant challenge.

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