Steel and Port Ministries aims to build
refuelling stations, storage, and distribution networks to extend green
hydrogen use in the maritime sector.
The Steel and Port Ministries have jointly
released a comprehensive plan to foster the adoption of hydrogen, with a scheme
valued at Rs 570 crore. This initiative is aligned with the broader National
Green Hydrogen Mission, with a total budget of Rs 19,477 crore.
Within the Steel Ministry’s
budgetary allocation of Rs 455 crore until 2029–30, incentives will be provided
to encourage the integration of hydrogen in various processes, such as direct
reduction of iron-making, blast furnaces, and the gradual substitution of
fossil fuels with green hydrogen. The scheme extends support to pilot projects
exploring innovative uses of hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions in iron and
steel production.
The guidelines propose a phased
approach, allowing steel plants to commence by incorporating a small percentage
of green hydrogen, with plans to increase the blending ratio over time
incrementally. It emphasises that upcoming steel plants should be equipped to
operate with green hydrogen to participate in future low-carbon steel markets
globally. The scheme also considers greenfield projects aspiring to achieve 100
per cent green steel production.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of
Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has introduced parallel guidelines to
stimulate the adoption of green hydrogen, allocating a budget of Rs 115 crore
until FY26.
Under the pilot projects, two
focal areas have been identified. Firstly, retrofit existing ships to
accommodate green hydrogen-based fuels; secondly, develop bunkering and
refuelling facilities in ports along international shipping lanes. This
strategic move aims to establish essential infrastructure, including refuelling
stations, storage, and distribution networks, creating a more extensive
ecosystem for green hydrogen adoption in the maritime sector.