SJVN launches India’s first multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project

SJVN Limited, a key player in the Indian power sector, has marked a significant achievement with the inauguration of the nation’s first Multi-purpose (Combined Heat & Power) Green Hydrogen Pilot Project. This pioneering project is located at SJVN’s 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh. The ceremony, held on April 24, 2024, was led by SJVN’s Chairperson and Managing Director, Smt. Geeta Kapur.

The newly launched Green Hydrogen Pilot Project is designed to produce 14 kilograms of green hydrogen daily during its 8-hour operation. This hydrogen, stored at a pressure of 30 bars across six tanks with a total capacity of 12 m^3, is produced using an alkaline electrolyzer with a capacity of 20 Nm^3/hour. The operation is powered by renewable energy sourced from SJVN’s 1.31 MW solar power plant located in Wadhal, Shimla. The green hydrogen produced is not only a leap towards clean energy but also supports the High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) Coating Facility at NJHPS by meeting its combustion fuel needs. Additionally, it contributes to electricity generation through a 25 kW capacity fuel cell.

Speaking at the inauguration, Smt. Geeta Kapur emphasized the project’s alignment with the National Green Hydrogen Mission of the Government of India. She highlighted that this initiative is set to accelerate the development of green hydrogen production infrastructure within the power sector, reinforcing green hydrogen as a viable clean energy source.

In addition to the green hydrogen project, Smt. Kapur also inaugurated the centralized operations of the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station and the 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station. This new system allows for remote operation of the Rampur HPS from the NJHPS Control Room, showcasing a significant advancement in hydro power management and operational efficiency. This tandem operating system is the first of its kind for the stations involved.

The events of the day also celebrated the dedicated efforts of the teams at NJHPS, Rampur HPS, and the Electrical Design Team at SJVN Corporate Headquarters. Smt. Kapur encouraged continued diligence among employees to achieve the goal of fully operating Rampur HPS remotely from NJHPS in the near future. The presence of project heads and senior officials underscored the collaborative effort and commitment to innovation and sustainability.