Himachal to promote Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen, the most abundant element on earth, is a powerful clean energy carrier when used in a hydrogen fuel cell which is highly efficient and flexible, emitting only electricity, heat, and water. Countries around the world are already betting on hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Himachal Pradesh also has an abundance of green energy and the opportunity in producing green hydrogen and the State Government has taken various initiatives to harness this potential. Several initiatives have been taken by the State Government to promote and popularize green energy.
Recently the State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil India Limited (OIL) to establish a framework for cooperation in harnessing and developing new and renewable energy sources (NRES) in the State. This MoU is a milestone in making Himachal Pradesh the first Green Energy State in India by March 31, 2026.
The Oil India Limited Company has decided to explore the possibilities of setting up floating solar power plants in various water reservoirs in the State besides establishing ground-mounted solar power projects. The OIL can also set up a plant for producing green hydrogen and green ammonia on a pilot basis.
The IOC Company is sending a team of experts soon to inspect the sites for implementing these projects. A review meeting will be held shortly to discuss the progress of the proposed projects.
The collaboration between the Government of Himachal Pradesh and Oil India Limited will focus on developing various New and Renewable Energy Sources (NRES) technologies, including solar energy, green hydrogen, compressed biogas, geothermal energy, and wind energy. The partnership will also facilitate the setting up of new projects in the State, which would create job opportunities and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.
The MoU will give a big boost to the development of the state’s energy sector and help in achieving the state’s energy goals. The signing of this MoU was a significant step towards promoting sustainable development in Himachal and achieving the goal of making it the first Green Energy State of the country. The convergence of strengths between the two partners can create new avenues for the growth and progress of the state.