Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Approves ₹797 Crore Green Hydrogen Jetty at Paradip Port Authority

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has approved the construction of a green hydrogen and liquid cargo handling jetty at the Paradip Port Authority in Odisha with an estimated investment of ₹797.17 crore. The project is to be implemented under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model by the Paradip Port Authority.

Key features of the project:

Handling capacity: 4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) for green hydrogen, green ammonia and other liquid cargo.

Infrastructure: Includes jetty, storage systems, pipelines, cargo handling equipment and allied facilities.

Technical specs: The berth will have a dredged depth of ~14.3 m and a centre-to-centre span of ~279 m between extreme end dolphins.

Capital share: Paradip Port Authority to contribute ~20% (~₹159.43 crore) during construction.

Timeline: Expected to be completed within 24 months.

Government objectives aligned:

The project supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), aimed at strengthening India’s green energy supply chain and export logistics.

It is expected to boost investments, generate employment and create an integrated green energy ecosystem in eastern India.

About Green Hydrogen in India

Green Hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy, resulting in zero carbon emissions. It is considered a critical fuel for decarbonisation across industries like steel, fertilizer, and transport.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

Launch:

Approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2023.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Financial Outlay:

Total outlay: ₹19,744 crore.

Main Objectives:

Make India a global hub for production, usage, and export of Green Hydrogen.

Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Support India’s net-zero target by 2070.

Decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, refineries, fertilisers, and heavy transport.

Production Target:

At least 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen per year by 2030.

Renewable Energy Addition:

Expected to add around 125 GW of renewable energy capacity.

Strategic Importance of Paradip Port

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) is a major deep-water, all-weather port on India’s east coast (Odisha), handling bulk, breakbulk, dry, liquid and container cargo.

Paradip Port has been officially recognised as one of India’s Green Hydrogen Hubs under NGHM.

The port is part of India’s maritime infrastructure expansion under the Sagarmala Programme, which aims to modernise ports for cargo growth and global competitiveness (note: Sagarmala often cited in exam syllabi).

BOT Model

The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model allows private or semi-government entities to invest in infrastructure, operate it for a set period, and then transfer it back to the government authority. This reduces fiscal burden and attracts private capital.

Broader Policy Context

The project aligns with India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, focusing on clean energy transition and reducing carbon intensity.

It also connects to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) goals by developing domestic green energy supply and export potential.