Tamil Nadu’s V O Chidambaranar Port has earmarked ₹41,860 crore in investments to position itself as the country’s Green Hydrogen-Ammonia hub. The port has also focused on expanding its capacity following an uptick in cargo handling. As of December 19, 2024, it handled 29.70 million tonnes of cargo, including 5.62 lakh TEUs of containers, marking an overall growth of 1.87% in cargo volume and 6.74% in container handling.
V O Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, located in Tamil Nadu, is embarking on a transformative journey to establish itself as India’s premier Green Hydrogen-Ammonia hub. This ambitious initiative involves a substantial investment of ₹41,860 crore and the allocation of 501 acres of land to four companies dedicated to developing green hydrogen and ammonia manufacturing and storage facilities.
Strategic Investments and Infrastructure Development
The port’s strategic plan includes several key components aimed at enhancing its capacity and operational efficiency:
- Land Allocation: 501 acres have been designated for the development of green hydrogen and ammonia facilities, attracting significant investments from four firms. A pilot demonstration project focusing on the production, storage, and power generation of green hydrogen using fuel cells is currently underway, with completion anticipated by January 2025.
- Bunkering Facilities: Plans are in place to execute a green hydrogen pilot bunkering project, which will demonstrate the port’s capabilities in refueling and bunkering green hydrogen and its derivatives. The port is undertaking the widening of its entrance channel from 152.40 meters to 230 meters, facilitating the accommodation of larger vessels and enhancing cargo throughput.
Rationale Behind the Initiative
The decision to position VOC Port as a green hydrogen-ammonia hub is driven by several strategic considerations Situated close to the East-West international sea route, VOC Port offers a strategic location for maritime activities.
Operational Efficiency: The port boasts the lowest turnaround time for container ships, enhancing its appeal as a logistics hub. Seamless road and rail connections augment the port’s accessibility, facilitating efficient cargo movement.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The transformation of VOC Port into a green hydrogen-ammonia hub is poised to yield significant economic and environmental benefits The development is expected to attract substantial investments, stimulate job creation, and bolster the regional economy.
- Sustainability: By focusing on green hydrogen and ammonia, the port aligns with global sustainability goals, promoting the use of clean energy and reducing carbon emissions. With these strategic initiatives, VOC Port is set to become a pivotal player in India’s renewable energy landscape. The successful implementation of green hydrogen and ammonia projects will not only enhance the port’s operational capabilities but also contribute significantly to the nation’s clean energy objectives.
V O Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu is set to become India’s leading hub for green hydrogen and ammonia production, aligning with the country’s renewable energy goals.
The project will leverage Tamil Nadu’s strong renewable energy capacity, particularly in wind and solar power, to produce green hydrogen using electrolysis. The initiative aligns with the National Green global leader in hydrogen-based energy solutions.
As part of the plan, VOC Port will develop dedicated infrastructure, including hydrogen storage tanks, ammonia handling facilities, and specialized terminals for export. The initiative is expected to attract significant investments from domestic and international players in the clean energy sector.
With green hydrogen emerging as a key alternative to fossil fuels in industries like steel, refining, and transportation, VOC Port’s transformation will play a crucial role in meeting India’s decarbonization targets. The move will also boost economic growth in the region by generating employment opportunities and fostering innovation in the clean energy sector.
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