Karnataka signs two key hydrogen production projects

Karnataka inked two significant hydrogen production projects, which contributed to continuing efforts to strengthen energy security through green initiatives and helped the southern state in navigating the nation's coal issue.

According to the media sources, the investments by ACME Cleantech Solutions Private Limited and ReNew Power, which will each spend 52,000 crores and 50,000 crore respectively, in the state over the next month, would strengthen Karnataka's green energy solutions and security.

Gunjan Krishna, the commissioner for industrial development and director of, department of industries & commerce, told the media that the Mangaluru hydrogen cluster is what they aim to acquire.

She said the idea is that it can be transformed into ammonia. Numerous other nations are also considering their energy security. Although, they lack the necessary means of manufacturing hydrogen.

She added that some of these companies in Karnataka are also considering exporting, which would be advantageous for all parties involved.

According to Krishna, at least two other firms are likely to express interest in establishing hydrogen production facilities in the region.

Data indicates that technological advancements, a greater emphasis on capacity building, and a diversification of energy sources helped Karnataka whether the country's coal crisis around April.

The state now not only meets over half of its requirements through renewable energy but also ranks as the nation's top seller in the sector.

According to statistics from the energy department, renewable energy supplies 52% of the state's energy requirements, followed by thermal, hydro, and nuclear energy at 34%, 12%, and 3%, respectively.

As per the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, investment in renewable energy in India hit a record $14.5 billion in the fiscal year (FY) 2021–2022.

Due to the strong increase in demand for clean mobility and the potential, it gives to capitalise on one of the least-tapped sectors in the nation, Karnataka has also inked numerous other significant projects in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

The leading automotive battery manufacturer in the nation, Exide, said in April that it would invest 6,000 crore to build one of India's largest Giga plants for cutting-edge cell chemistry technologies at Haralur, close to Bengaluru International Airport.

The Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme-2021 was introduced in Bengaluru in July by former chief minister BS Yediyurappa. It aims to reduce reliance on private automobiles for the first and final mile of commuting, provide employment opportunities, and reduce pollution.

A senior official of the industries department revealed that a new EV park is developing outside of Bengaluru.

For the first time since 2016, Karnataka would host the Global Investor Summit (GIM) in November to increase investment in the state and aid in its recovery from the weak economic conditions made worse by lockdowns brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Krishna added that their attention is on everything (all sectors). It is trending in the direction of green energy since it is a booming industry with plenty of activity.

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