By Business India Editorial

The green hydrogen ecosystem being created in Kerala will be an example for all the states, said a key official of German Development Agency, GIZ, which has awarded the tender for Kochi hydrogen hub to research and consulting firm, MEC Intelligence. 

The tender was floated by GIZ for the development of a roadmap for a green hydrogen cluster in Kochi.

“GIZ has launched the preparation of a roadmap in Kerala as a pilot and as example for other Indian states on how to build an effective public-private partnership in hydrogen,” said Rolf Behrndt, principal advisor, GIZ.

“GIZ supports the development of green hydrogen, and is excited about the prospects in India, as well as in Kerala. Hydrogen Valleys are the next step after pilot projects,” said Behrndt.

He said that the National Hydrogen Mission has identified hydrogen hubs as one of its priorities, and many states in India are currently reviewing how best to support the development of hydrogen at state level.

The Kerala Hydrogen Valley roadmap aims to link different players along with the entire value chain of green hydrogen – starting from renewable energy, going to production of green hydrogen, potentially into off take by refineries or mobility or into further processing into ammonia for offtake by the fertiliser and maritime sector.”

“By linking all stages and phases eventual offtake will be ensured, which is a key prerequisite for securing financing for the private sector. By developing in phases, it also allows us to focus on priorities for investment into joint infrastructure needs,” he said.

According to the tender document, one of the critical enablers would be development of hydrogen valleys or hubs or clusters where several hydrogen application are combined and integrated into a hydrogen ecosystem that consumes a significant amount of hydrogen, improving the economics behind the project.

The assignment is expected to be completed by December 2023.