India has taken a significant step toward clean energy by launching its first port-based green hydrogen pilot project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu. The pioneering initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable port operations, and aligns with national goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Sagarmala programme.
Green Hydrogen Pilot Project Powers Port Operations
The pilot facility, established at a cost of ₹3.87 crore, produces green hydrogen at a capacity of 10 Nm³ per hour. The hydrogen is used to power streetlights and an EV charging station within the port colony, making VOC Port the first Indian port to generate green hydrogen onsite. The project not only supports India’s clean energy transition but also complements the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor initiative between Kandla and Tuticorin, promoting green maritime logistics.
Green Methanol Bunkering Facility Underway
Alongside the hydrogen project, a foundation was laid for a green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility with a capacity of 750 m³ at an estimated cost of ₹35.34 crore. Once operational, this facility will position VOC Port as a green bunkering hub in South India, fostering sustainable fuel use in shipping operations.
Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Upgrades
VOC Port continues to expand its renewable energy capacity with a new 400 KW rooftop solar plant. This brings the port’s total rooftop solar power to 1.04 MW—the highest among Indian ports.
Key infrastructure projects launched include:
- A ₹24.5 crore link conveyor system to boost coal handling efficiency by 0.72 MMTPA
- Foundations for a 6 MW wind farm
- A ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth to enhance cargo handling
- A 3.37 km four-lane road for seamless port connectivity
- A maritime heritage museum to showcase India’s maritime legacy
VOC Port’s Strategic Role in Maritime Growth
Situated in Tuticorin on the Coromandel Coast, VOC Port is one of India’s 13 major ports and plays a critical role in coal handling and container movement. Named after freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar, the port has undergone transformative development under the Sagarmala programme, with investments exceeding ₹16,000 crore in modernization and capacity building.
Driving India’s Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
The green initiatives align with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on speed, scale, sustainability, and self-reliance. The objective is to position India as a global shipbuilding leader by 2030 and beyond. These projects are expected to create employment, attract global investments, and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s economic growth.
Collaborations for Green and Connected Future
To further enhance sustainability and connectivity, the port authorities signed MoUs with:
*VOC Port and Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd for rail connectivity to the Outer Harbour Project
8VOC Port and NTPC to promote green mobility initiatives within the port
As reported by gktoday.in, the strategic collaborations aim to accelerate infrastructure upgrades and foster an eco-friendly port ecosystem.
