India’s V.O. Chidambaranar Port is accelerating its transition towards clean energy with major investments in green hydrogen, wind power and green methanol infrastructure, positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable port operations.
The port authority has already commissioned a pilot green hydrogen plant that produces 10 Nm³ of hydrogen per hour. The hydrogen generated is currently being used to power street lighting in the port township and support a local electric vehicle charging facility, serving as a proof-of-concept for larger-scale deployment, The Hindu reported.
As part of its expansion plans, the port has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Motors to introduce hydrogen-powered freight transport within the port. Under the agreement, Tata Motors will deploy 40 hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) prime movers over the next two years to handle cargo movement, helping reduce emissions from logistics operations.
To support this transition, the port has completed the bidding process for a ₹67.85 crore project to establish a 2 MW green hydrogen electrolyser system. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce at least 600 kilograms of green hydrogen per day, significantly expanding the port’s clean fuel capabilities.
Port officials said the increased hydrogen production will also serve as a key feedstock for the port’s upcoming green methanol infrastructure, strengthening efforts to develop alternative low-carbon marine fuels.
In parallel, work is progressing on a captive 9 MW wind power project within the port premises. The wind energy facility has been designed to operate alongside an existing 8 MW wind farm and a 5 MWh battery energy storage system. The project is currently under installation and is expected to achieve grid synchronisation and full commissioning by late 2026.
The port is also nearing completion of a green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility, a project aimed at supporting the maritime sector’s shift towards cleaner fuels. Mechanical construction is expected to be completed by the end of July, with commissioning planned later this year.
Recently, Santosh Kumar Sarangi visited the port to inspect the green methanol facility, including storage infrastructure, pipeline systems and safety mechanisms.
According to port authorities, the timeline for the methanol project was revised because the facility depends on the expansion of on-site green hydrogen production. The integration of larger hydrogen generation capacity with methanol storage and processing systems required additional planning and synchronisation.
Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit said the port has been entrusted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to lead several green energy initiatives. He noted that projects involving green hydrogen, wind energy and green methanol are progressing steadily and are expected to play a significant role in the port’s long-term sustainability strategy.
The developments highlight India’s growing focus on green fuels and renewable energy infrastructure, with ports increasingly emerging as important hubs for hydrogen production, clean maritime fuels and low-carbon logistics solutions.
