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VOC Port Launches India’s First Port-Based Green Hydrogen Project

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India’s first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. The INR 3.87 crore, 10 Nm³/hr facility will generate green hydrogen to power streetlights and an EV charging station at the port colony, making VOC the first Indian port to produce green hydrogen.

Sonowal also laid the foundation for a 750 m³ Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility worth INR 35.34 crore, which will align with the upcoming Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin, positioning VOC Port as a green bunkering hub.

Additional initiatives launched include a 400 kW rooftop solar plant, raising rooftop solar capacity at the port to 1.04 MW (highest among Indian ports), a 6 MW wind farm, a multi-cargo berth worth INR 90 crore, a 3.37 km four-lane road, and the Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum. An INR 24.5 crore link conveyor connecting Coal Jetty-I to the stack yard was also unveiled, boosting handling efficiency by 0.72 MMTPA.

The event also witnessed MoUs between VOC Port and IPRCL for Outer Harbour rail connectivity and with NTPC for green mobility projects. Sonowal emphasized that these initiatives will generate jobs, attract investments, and support India’s ambition to become a top global shipbuilding nation by 2047.