CPCL, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, has partnered with IIT-Madras to produce green hydrogen from seawater using renewable energy sources. The project aims to cover the entire value chain of hydrogen, from generation to utilization, and reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Green hydrogen is a clean and sustainable alternative to conventional hydrogen, which is mostly produced from natural gas or coal. Green hydrogen is generated by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power. This process does not emit any greenhouse gases or pollutants, unlike the conventional methods.
According to a press release by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, CPCL will have a large project to generate green hydrogen in Tamil Nadu, where it operates two refineries. IIT-Madras will provide the technical expertise and support for the project, which will use an innovative water electrolysis system that can directly utilize photovoltaic-derived voltage to split seawater and produce green hydrogen and oxygen. The researchers claim that this system is cost-effective and efficient, and can overcome the challenges of freshwater scarcity and high energy consumption.
The collaboration between CPCL and IIT-Madras is part of the government’s initiative to promote the use of green hydrogen as a fuel for various sectors such as transport, industry, power, and agriculture. The government has also announced a National Hydrogen Mission in the Union Budget 2024, which aims to make India a global leader in the production and utilization of green hydrogen.
The partnership between CPCL and IIT-Madras is expected to boost the research and development of green hydrogen technologies in India, and pave the way for a cleaner and greener future.