India Takes Leap Toward Net Zero With Kandla Port Hydrogen Launch

India’s march toward a sustainable future reached a milestone Thursday as Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla launched the nation’s first fully indigenous 1 MW green hydrogen plant. The facility is a linchpin for both the Make-in-India initiative and the government’s ambitious Net Zero by 2070 pledge.

Inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the plant is the first megawatt-scale hydrogen facility at an Indian port. Its speedy completion, just four months from foundation to operational status, set a new benchmark for clean energy deployments in the country.

Setting Speed and Sustainability Standards

The plant’s rapid buildout demonstrates a new standard for execution under the Maritime India Vision 2030. Within this compact timeline, teams from L&T and local engineers delivered a fully functional module capable of generating around 140 metric tons of green hydrogen annually.

The plant’s output, roughly 18 kg per hour, is used to power port operations, fueling India’s commitment to cutting port emissions and modernizing logistics.

The next phase is even bolder: scaling up to 10 MW, which would make Kandla a national leader in hydrogen production for the maritime sector. With plans for future green ammonia integration, Kandla is setting the template for sustainable port infrastructure nationwide.

Did you know?
Kandla’s 1MW green hydrogen plant was designed, built, and commissioned in just four months, making it the fastest major clean tech deployment for India’s maritime sector.

Clean Energy and Indigenous Innovation

Unlike previous projects that relied on imported technology, the Kandla facility was designed and built entirely in India. This focus on self-reliance is key to the project’s speed, cost-efficiency, and significance as a model for other ports and industrial players.

Ministers Sonowal and Thakur hailed the achievement as a major stride in deploying homegrown innovation to propel the nation’s clean energy ambitions.

The plant’s commissioning further supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming for five million tonnes of annual hydrogen output by 2030. As part of broader efforts, Kandla has already piloted the country’s first all-electric green tug and committed to more digital and sustainable upgrades in port operations.

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Laying the Foundation for Net Zero

The hydrogen facility isn’t just an engineering accomplishment; it is a critical enabler for India to decarbonize its maritime and logistics sectors. By integrating renewables, fuel cells, and digital monitoring, it demonstrates how Indian ports can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while supporting the nation’s economic growth.

The example set by Kandla is sparking renewed momentum among India’s major ports. As more ports adopt hydrogen fuel, electrification, and green ammonia, the nation edges closer to its Net Zero target.

Kandla’s success offers a proof point that speed, scale, and indigenous innovation can converge to drive major advances in clean energy infrastructure.

India now stands as a leader in the region’s shift to sustainable maritime trade. With further capacity, digital upgrades, and national policy support on the way, Kandla’s leap may soon be just the first of many on the country’s voyage to net zero.