Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has inaugurated the country’s first port-based Green Hydrogen Project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu. Set up at a cost of ₹3.87 crore, the unit has a production capacity of 10 Nm³ per hour. VOC Port will use the green hydrogen generated to power streetlights and an electric vehicle charging station in the port colony, becoming the first port in India to produce and utilize green hydrogen on-site.
Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility
At the same event, officials laid the foundation stone for a Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility. The facility will have a storage capacity of 750 m³ and cost ₹35.34 crore, aligning with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin. Once completed, it will position VOC Port as a major green bunkering hub in South India.
Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Projects
Officials launched several other projects during the occasion. They commissioned a 400 KW rooftop solar power plant, which raised the port’s total rooftop solar capacity to 1.04 MW — the highest among all Indian ports. They also inaugurated a ₹24.5 crore link conveyor system that connects Coal Jetty-I to the stack yard, boosting handling efficiency by 0.72 million tonnes per year.
The foundation stones were laid for multiple upcoming projects, including:
- A 6 MW wind farm
- A ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth
- A 3.37 km four-lane road to ease port connectivity
- The Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum, highlighting the region’s historic maritime legacy
Sagarmala Programme’s Role in Tamil Nadu
Emphasizing the progress made under the Sagarmala programme, the minister highlighted that Chennai, Kamarajar, and VOC Ports together have undertaken 98 projects worth ₹93,715 crore over the past 11 years. Out of these, 50 projects have already been completed, with more than ₹16,000 crore invested in modernization and capacity enhancement.
Strategic Collaborations and MoUs
Two major agreements were also signed during the event. The first was between the VOC Port and the Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd for rail connectivity to the upcoming Outer Harbour project. The second MoU was signed with NTPC to introduce green mobility initiatives at the port, further underscoring its shift toward sustainable development.
Tribute to V.O. Chidambaranar
On the occasion, the minister paid tribute to freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar on his 154th birth anniversary. He described Chidambaranar’s Swadeshi spirit as a source of inspiration for India’s present-day pursuit of self-reliance and sustainable growth.
Static Points to Remember
- India’s first port-based Green Hydrogen Project launched at VOC Port, Tamil Nadu.
- The ₹3.87 crore facility produces 10 Nm³/hour of green hydrogen for lights and EV charging.
- VOC Port becomes the first in the country to generate its own green hydrogen.
- A ₹35.34 crore Green Methanol Bunkering Facility of 750 m³ capacity is planned.
- This project is part of the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor (Kandla–Tuticorin).
- A 400 KW rooftop solar plant raised the port’s solar capacity to 1.04 MW, the highest among Indian ports.
- A ₹24.5 crore link conveyor boosts coal handling efficiency by 0.72 million tonnes per year.
- Foundation stones were laid for a 6 MW wind farm, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, a 3.37 km road, and a Maritime Heritage Museum.
- Under Sagarmala, TN ports have taken up 98 projects worth ₹93,715 crore, with 50 completed.
- MoUs signed with IPRCL (rail link) and NTPC (green mobility), along with a tribute to V.O. Chidambaranar.
Syllabus Correlation
| Exam | Prelims Relevance | Mains Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC | – Current Events → India’s first port-based green hydrogen project at VOC Port. – Geography → Ports of India (Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu). – Environment & Ecology → Renewable energy (hydrogen, wind, solar). – Economy → Sagarmala programme, infrastructure projects. | – GS III (Infrastructure & Energy): Port-led development, renewable energy initiatives, hydrogen economy, Coastal Green Shipping Corridor. – GS I (Geography): Industrial and transport infrastructure, role of ports in regional growth. – GS II (Governance & Policy): Public–private partnerships, MoUs for connectivity & green mobility. – Essay Paper: Sustainable development, green economy transition. |
| TNPSC | – Current Events → First port-based hydrogen project in India, renewable energy initiatives in Tamil Nadu. – Geography of Tamil Nadu → VOC Port, wind and solar energy potential. – Economy → Sagarmala projects in Tamil Nadu, port modernization. | – Paper I (Geography & Environment): Role of Tamil Nadu’s ports in industrial growth, renewable energy projects. – Paper II (Indian Polity & Development): Government initiatives for infrastructure, green mobility policies. – Paper III (Economy): Coastal Green Shipping Corridor, industrial modernization, investments in Tamil Nadu. – Paper IV (Science & Tech): Hydrogen energy, solar and wind projects, sustainable transport. |
Quiz
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