Daijiworld Media Network

From Our Special Correspondent

Bengaluru, July 19: Large and Medium Industries M B Patil on Friday launched the green hydrogen electrolyser gigafactory set up near Doddaballapura by the American-based Ohmium Company. 

Union Minister for Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi flagged off the unit and Minister M B Patil assured the company that state government has prioritised the production of clean energy, which is crucial for achieving sustainable development.

Lauding the company for establishing the unit with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore, Patil added that the current capacity of 500 megawatts (1/2 gigawatt) will gradually be increased to 2,000 megawatts (2 gigawatts) in a phased manner, creating employment opportunities.

The unit facilitates the breaking of water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy, enabling the production of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen, which is the pollution-free fuel of the future, is industry-agnostic and will facilitate India’s transition to clean energy. 

"With zero carbon footprint, green hydrogen can be utilised for fertiliser production, refinery processing, steel production, conventional vehicle transportation with methanol blending, and direct hydrogen transportation in fuel-cell-based vehicles. Green hydrogen can also be stored and transported," he explained.

Minister Patil mentioned that Karnataka has been a premier destination for industries, backed by industry-friendly policies and home to pioneering research centers from across the world

The state has been playing an important role in taking the country towards achieving the aim of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

He stated that the government has identified EV, renewable energy, and clean energy as priorities, which has boosted activities in these sectors. 

The state has ranked top in attracting investments since 2016, supported by its futuristic initiatives, he noted.

Earlier, Pralhad Joshi claimed that India has prioritised green hydrogen production and emerged as its top producer. 

Even leading companies such as Tata Group and NTPC have realised its importance, he added.

Dheeraj Muniraju, MLA, Doddaballapura, Raje Gowda, MLA and chairman of KREDL, Arny Ballantine, CEO, Ashwin Varma, COO of Ohmium and other top officials of the company were present.

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