An official said that Syama Prasad Mookherjee Port (SMP), formerly known as Kolkata Port Trust, and NTPC Green Energy (NGEL), a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, will form a collaborative working group to establish a green hydrogen and ammonia hub at the port. The MoU was signed last week between the two public sector bodies to study potential for the production, storage, handling, and bunkering of green hydrogen, green ammonia, and its derivatives with the port's help, according to the official. Shipping and port operations will be crucial in driving green energy trade as part of the National Hydrogen Mission. Ports are consequently being built to enable the export of renewable energy. The scope of the MoU, according to SMP vice chairman Samrat Rahi, involves organizing a collaborative working group to perform a feasibility study, select land for the project, and reflect on financial models of collaboration for the clean energy project here. According to Rahi, the project will require 300-500 acres of land, and SMP has shortlisted various property parcels from its own holdings as well as from third parties, which will be reviewed during the feasibility study. The establishment of a green hydrogen center at SMP is an important step toward India's objective of becoming a top producer and exporter of green hydrogen. By 2030, India hopes to have developed the capacity and capability to export around 5 million tons of green hydrogen and its derivatives per year. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has designated three more significant ports in the country for this purpose: Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin. The creation of a green hydrogen hub at SMP will aid in decarbonizing the port's operations and promoting the use of greener fuels in the pursuit of a net-zero ecosystem. NTPC is India's largest power utility, with more than 73 GW of installed capacity, including joint ventures and subsidiaries. NTPC has established a wholly owned subsidiary, NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), to expand its renewable energy portfolio. The construction of a green hydrogen and ammonia hub at SMP is projected to accelerate the port's growth and open up new economic prospects. Cargo throughput at SMP grew by 13% year on year to a record 65.66 million tonnes in 2022-23. In addition, the port saw its highest-ever increase in traffic, with 7.5 million tonnes added over the previous year.