Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is embarking on its inaugural venture into green hydrogen production with a groundbreaking plant scheduled for construction in Panipat, boasting a substantial annual capacity of 10 KTA (thousands of tonnes per annum). The ambitious project is set to materialize within the next 30 months. In an effort to realize this endeavor, IOCL has initiated the process by inviting global tenders for the establishment of this facility adjacent to its Panipat refinery on the company’s own land.
Marked as a significant milestone, this 10 KTA capacity green hydrogen plant will stand as one of India’s largest. IOCL had previously revealed plans in 2021 to establish two green hydrogen plants, with capacities of 5 KTA at the Mathura refinery and 2 KTA in Panipat. However, the Mathura proposal has been abandoned, with the most recent tender specification confirming the upgraded 10 KTA capacity for the Panipat plant.
Green hydrogen plays a pivotal role in India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, a pledge announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last climate summit in Glasgow. This move is aimed at transforming the country’s hydrogen production landscape, which currently heavily relies on fossil fuels.
The chosen location for the new green hydrogen facility lies within the space bordered by the Panipat Refinery and the Panipat Naphtha Cracker zone, all situated on IOCL-owned land near the Panipat Refinery Complex. The winning bidder is tasked with delivering gaseous green hydrogen to IOCL and is expected to generate the hydrogen utilizing renewable power sources. Integration of this green hydrogen production with the existing hydrogen network at the Panipat Refinery is also on the agenda. The plant is designed to generate 1,250 kg of green hydrogen per hour, operating around the clock.
IOCL oversees 11 refineries across India, boasting a total refining capacity of 80.7 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) or 1.6 million barrels per day. This positions the corporation as a leading player in the nation’s refining sector. Additionally, IOCL manages an extensive network of over 14,000 km of pipelines dedicated to transporting crude oil and related products.
The green hydrogen initiative is a strategic move, and the proposed plant signifies IOCL’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with its vision for a greener energy landscape in India.
