Karnataka Looks At A Hydrogen Cluster In Mangaluru

Karnataka recently signed two major projects about hydrogen production. ACME Cleantech Solutions Private Limited and ReNew Power have each signed to invest ₹52,000 crores and ₹50,000 crore in the state over the last one month, in MoU’s signed at Davos.

Sharing the vision of the state government, Gunjan Krishna, commissioner for industrial development and director, department of industries & commerce, said, “What we are looking at getting is the hydrogen cluster in Mangaluru. The idea is that is the new fuel that can be converted into ammonia. (There are) lots of other countries that are also looking at energy security and they do not have a way of producing Hydrogen required. Our focus is on everything (all sectors). Karnataka has huge potential to tap solar energy, which makes it ideal for hydrogen-production units, and green energy would make this more environmentally sustainable. Several companies setting up shop in Karnataka are looking at exports as well which would benefit all stakeholders. There are at least two more companies likely to sign their interest to set up hydrogen-producing units in the state”.

The statements are matched by some actions as well otherwise the state, once dependent on other govt agencies for energy, won’t have become energy surplus today. In April the state was not only self sufficient but also among the highest power sellers in the category, data shows. According to data from the energy department, renewable energy accounts for 52% of the state’s power needs, followed by thermal, hydro and nuclear at 34%, 12% and 3% respectively.

A new EV park is taking a shape outside Bengaluru. The state government is going to organise a Global Investor Summit in November this year for the first time since 2016 for more investments from abroad to set up more RE projects and neutralise the Covid induced sluggishness. Exide, the country’s largest automotive battery maker, in April announced to invest of Rs 6,000 crore in setting up one of India’s largest Giga factories for advanced cell chemistry technology in Haralur near Bengaluru International Airport.