Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Sep 21: Plans for a production unit of Green Hydrogen, considered the fuel of the future, have been finalised in Mangaluru.

MRPL (Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited) is set to produce 500 tonnes of Green Hydrogen annually by 2026, as Mangaluru has been identified as a green hydrogen cluster. According to the Green Hydrogen policy, hydrogen obtained through the electrolysis of water is termed Green Hydrogen, with refineries responsible for its production.

MRPL has already invited tenders for the electrolysis process and will provide space for the outsourcing company within its premises. The refinery intends to use this hydrogen in conjunction with that produced at its facility.

Interest in green hydrogen was particularly evident at the 'Invest Karnataka 2022' investors' conference in Bengaluru, where nine proposals worth Rs 2.86 lakh crore were accepted. Many investors favoured Mangaluru due to its port facilities, making it ideal for exports. MRPL's initiative marks a significant step toward realising this potential.

The aim is to reduce the use of hydrocarbons (petroleum products) in response to the global push for net zero emissions. As countries strive to minimize carbon emissions from industries and vehicles, India aims to achieve net zero by 2070. Green Hydrogen production is part of this vision, with refineries encouraged to advance in this area.

Currently, refineries produce hydrogen from methane and natural gas due to lower costs; however, this method emits harmful carbon. In contrast, green hydrogen has zero carbon emissions, though its production is more expensive. Nevertheless, the central government has directed refineries such as MRPL, IOCL, GAIL, BPCL, and ONGC to pursue green hydrogen production.