Editorial / 22 Sep 2024

India stakes its claim in green energy development

A new player is emerging as a potential global hub for green energy manufacturing, driven by ambitious goals and supportive policies.

India aims to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, 190 GW of which has already been achieved, to meet both growing local consumption and regional demand. Much of that comes from a growing number of solar and wind energy projects.

Investment and growth
The country's commitment to renewable energy is evident in its substantial investment and capacity growth, with the market set to reach US$80 billion by 2030 and significant developments already underway.

"The National Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Policy rolled out in 2022 is a testament to India's commitment to becoming a net exporter of green hydrogen and ammonia," says Sankar Narayanan, Senior Shipping Manager at GAC India. “This ambitious plan lays the foundation for a robust green hydrogen economy whilst encouraging commercial production through supportive infrastructure development.

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“It aims to create demand, production, utilisation and export of these green fuels, establishing India as a leader in this thriving sector.”

Blowing in the wind
Alongside green hydrogen and ammonia, India is also exploring offshore wind energy, with identified areas potentially generating 37 GW of capacity by 2030.

In July this year, the country’s largest renewable energy company, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), began wind generation at its 30,000 MW renewable energy plant at Khavda, Gujarat. The activation of 2,250 MW of the cumulative capacity of the largest plant of its kind in the world. States like Tamil Nadu also have potential for offshore wind.

The number of new wind power projects installed annually across the nation will peak this year, and new projects beyond 2024 are most likely to be wind-solar hybrids.

"The Indian economy is one of the fastest growing in thew world and it is estimated that we shall see a 35-40% increase in energy demand by 2030," says Jitan Lakhwani, GAC India’s Head of Logistics. “This surge necessitates a robust infrastructure to support renewable energy projects.”

Offshore wind projects are complex, requiring thorough evaluation, significant investment, meticulous planning and execution.

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Jitan adds that GAC is well placed to support the growing sector if India proceeds with large-scale offshore wind projects: "We will leverage our global expertise and local knowledge to handle the complexities of offshore projects. Our access to specialised transportation assets and logistics competencies positions us to manage every stage of the process, from clearance to forwarding, installation and maintenance.”

GAC India’s Logistics teams meet the global needs of manufacturers, distributors and retailers for efficient supply chain and logistics. Their comprehensive portfolio includes multimodal freight services, contract logistics, land transportation, ship spares logistics, and international moving.

GAC India’s 27 fully-fledged offices, covering all major and minor ports and Inland Container Depots, enables it to handle shipments for manufacturers anywhere in the country.

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Readiness
The company has been integral in supporting the shipping and logistics needs of various energy projects across the subcontinent over the past few years. That includes specialised port agency services for vessels handling project cargo shipments, such as windmill blades exported from Tuticorin and Kandla ports. The company’s project logistics team has the expertise and resources to manage the clearance and delivery of complex projects.

GAC India’s Director, Miriam Mathews, stresses her team’s readiness for future green energy projects: "In recognition of the critical role of shipping and logistics in green energy, we established a dedicated Energy division to cater to the exact needs of the sector years ago.

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"This team has matured to handle complex green energy logistics, supported by strategic initiatives, including specialised training, collaboration with other GAC companies, and leveraging in-house IT capabilities for customised solutions.”

Miriam emphasises that the company's ethical and compliant approach, combined with extensive international and local expertise, sets it apart from competitors to make it a trusted partner for clients transitioning to renewable energy initiatives.

Green hydrogen
India is pushing to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, marking a significant step towards energy independence and export potential, attested by the fact that VOC Port at Tuticorin will become India's first green hydrogen hub.

The port's recognition signifies a pivotal advancement in the nation’s green energy agenda.

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Strategically located along India’s southeastern coast, Tuticorin Port is now primed to become a central node for the production, storage, and export of green hydrogen. This infrastructure significantly boosts India’s position in the global green energy market.

GAC India’s General Manager – Shipping, Srinivasan Sethumadhavan, says: “Our status as a licensed Customs House Agent (CHA) and team of highly experienced professionals enables us to streamline the customs clearance process for vessels and project equipment efficiently.”

The company is actively preparing for the green hydrogen revolution, and currently handles a substantial portion of LNG vessel attendance, putting it in a good position to manage green hydrogen and ammonia logistics as alternative fuel development continues to grow.

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The transportation of green hydrogen poses challenges due to its low density and light nature which requires expert handling and liquefaction processes by all parties involved. GAC is working with manufacturing and transportation stakeholders whose teams are fully trained in safety and storage requirements. Its customers also benefit from strong, long-standing relationships with authorities and service providers along the east and west coast of the country.

Transformation
India’s green energy development presents vast opportunities for growth and innovation. GAC India's strategic initiatives, expertise, and preparedness ensure it can stake a claim in supporting and driving this sustainable transformation.

By aligning its services with India’s green energy goals, GAC India is poised to contribute significantly to the country's energy transition.

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