Pudimadaka, Anakapalle District: The National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC) is making significant progress on its ambitious Green Energy Park Project, also known as the Green Hydrogen Hub, at Pudimadaka. With an estimated cost of Rs1.1 lakh crore, the project aims to revolutionize energy production by harnessing green hydrogen. According to Sanjay Kumar Sinha, the Business Unit Head of NTPC’s Simhadri Super Thermal Power Station, the project is expected to be completed by 2026.
The Green Hydrogen Hub will be established at Pudimadaka, where the AP Industrial Corporation (APIIC) had previously allocated 1,200 acres of land to NTPC. Sinha revealed that NTPC plans to invest the allocated funds in a phased manner to set up the infrastructure required for producing energy from green hydrogen. This innovative park will facilitate the production of green hydrogen, enabling a cleaner and more sustainable approach to energy generation. Sinha added that the project is on track to be fully operational by 2030.
The genesis of this groundbreaking initiative dates back to 2014 when the Andhra Pradesh government initially allocated 1,200 acres of land in Pudimadaka for the construction of a 4,000 MW thermal plant. However, the project was abandoned in 2018 due to the union government’s decision to reduce coal imports. The subsequent exploration of alternative energy sources led to the discovery of the potential viability of the green energy park project. This revelation occurred following a visit by high-ranking officials from Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), the green energy subsidiary of Australia’s Fortescue Group, to Pudimadaka in September 2022. FFI specializes in the production of green hydrogen using 100 percent renewable sources and operates in over 25 countries.
Collaborating with SMEC, the NTPC has envisioned the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem for hydrogen energy at Pudimadaka. The Green Hydrogen Hub will encompass both an industrial area and a hydrogen area, catering to various aspects of green hydrogen production. This holistic approach ensures that the necessary components and infrastructure are in place to facilitate the seamless operation of the park.
With the completion of the Green Energy Park Project, NTPC aims to propel India’s energy landscape into a sustainable and eco-friendly future. By leveraging green hydrogen technology, the project will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and foster a cleaner environment. As the country continues its transition towards renewable energy, the Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka stands as a beacon of progress and a testament to India’s commitment to a greener tomorrow.