The facility marks a significant step towards India’s Net Zero goals under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Kandla, July 31, 2025: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated India’s first indigenously developed 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, today. Hailed as a landmark in India’s clean energy journey, the facility aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sustainable maritime development by 2030.
A Milestone in Green Transformation
The 1 MW plant, commissioned in just four months since its foundation stone was laid by PM Modi on May 26, 2025, in Bhuj, is part of a larger 10 MW project. Capable of producing approximately 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually, the plant is set to power port operations, including 11 buses and street lighting, with plans to fuel tugs and vessels in the future. Engineered by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and built entirely by Indian engineers, it exemplifies the ‘Make in India’ initiative and showcases self-reliance in the green hydrogen ecosystem.
Sonowal described the project as a “shining example of speed, scale, and skill under Maritime India Vision 2030,” emphasizing its role in maritime decarbonization. “This milestone is a testament to PM Modi’s leadership, steering India towards a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant future,” he said during the inauguration, attended by Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Secretary T.K. Ramachandran, and DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh.
Strategic Context and Impact
The plant’s commissioning is a critical step in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen production. With green hydrogen at the core of decarbonizing sectors like shipping and heavy industry, the Kandla facility sets a benchmark for other Indian ports. DPA’s prior deployment of the country’s first all-electric green tug further underscores its commitment to sustainable operations.
The rapid execution—completing the 1 MW module in just four months—reflects India’s growing expertise in renewable energy projects. Plans are underway to scale up to 5 MW by the end of FY 2025–26, with the full 10 MW facility operational by mid-2026–27. This expansion will bolster the port’s capacity to support eco-friendly operations, aligning with India’s broader Net Zero emissions target by 2070.
Voices from the Helm
Sonowal praised L&T’s engineering precision and DPA’s proactive approach, calling the plant “an inspiration for ports across India to adopt innovative, eco-friendly technologies.” He highlighted its role in reducing the carbon footprint of maritime activities, a sector critical to India’s economy. Shantanu Thakur echoed this sentiment, terming it a “bold step towards a sustainable maritime future.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the Kandla plant is expected to serve as a blueprint for green hydrogen adoption across Indian ports, with potential replication in sectors like aviation and heavy industry. As part of Maritime India Vision 2030, DPA plans to invest Rs 57,000 crore to enhance its capacity and sustainability initiatives. The next phase of the 10 MW project will further cement Deendayal Port’s role as a pioneer in India’s clean energy transition.