Paradip Port In Odisha To Be Developed As Hydrogen Hub: Sarbananda Sonowal

Mumbai: Three ports, including Paradip Port in Odisha, will be developed as Hydrogen Hubs, capable of handling, storage and generation of green hydrogen, by 2030, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday.

The other two are Deendayal Port in Gujarat and VO Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu.

“The Ministry intends to increase the share of renewable energy to 60% of the total power demand of each of its major ports from a present share of less than 10%. The ports have also aimed to reduce carbon emissions per tonne of cargo handle, by 30% by 2030. The Maritime Vision Document-2030, released by Prime Minister, is a 10-year blueprint on India’s vision of a sustainable maritime sector and vibrant blue economy,” he said during a discussion on ‘Green Port and Green Shipping’ in Mumbai.

Notably, major ports have implemented and initiated various activities that would help in reducing GHG (Green House Gases) emissions and help in achieving the targets set by the government for making the maritime sector green and sustainable under the Green Shipping and Green Shipping initiative of MIV 2030.

Activities like shore-to-ship power, use and promotion of electrically powered port equipment, use of alternate fuels like LNG/CNG, storage and bunkering facilities for environment-friendly fuels like LNG, CNG, hydrogen and ammonia, the transition towards renewable sources of energy including solar power, wind power and tidal power have already been initiated at major ports of the country.

“The pace at which the green initiatives are undertaken by the 12 major ports will surely bring a green revolution in the sector making the ports cleaner and greener, which is also a key component of ‘Blue Economy’, creating environmental benefits and balancing the investments and cash flow,” the Union Minister added.