Establishment & Operation of Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster in Odisha

Empowering Odisha's Green Future, Innovating Hydrogen Solutions for Tomorrow

About

The Odisha Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster aims to spearhead developing and managing cutting-edge hydrogen technologies, with IIT Bhubaneswar at the helm. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030, as announced by the Honourable Prime Minister at COP26. The project seeks to advance hydrogen production, storage, and transportation technologies through a collaborative approach, integrating local and national research institutions, industry leaders, and government bodies. Odisha’s strategic advantages, including its mineral wealth, solar resources, and supportive hydrogen energy policy, position it as a prime location for this innovative endeavor.

The cluster’s development will unfold in three phases: short-term (1-2 years), medium-term (1-5 years), and long-term (1-7 years). Initially, it will focus on establishing small-scale green hydrogen operations and refining existing technologies with partners. The medium term will scale these technologies for broader applications, including mining and steel production, while the long term will target the decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries. This initiative promises significant economic benefits and positions India as a global leader in green industrialization while fostering job creation and addressing climate change challenges.

Mission

The National Green Hydrogen Mission is designed to be implemented in two distinct phases, driving the growth and adoption of green hydrogen technologies in India.

Phase 1 (2022-23 to 2025-26) focuses on laying the groundwork for the green hydrogen sector. This includes driving demand creation, advancing research and development, and scaling up domestic electrolyzer manufacturing. Key pilot projects will be initiated to promote green transitions in steel production, heavy-duty mobility, and shipping. Additionally, efforts will begin to establish a regulatory and standards framework to support sector growth and align with international norms.

Phase 2 (2026-27 to 2029-30)

Phase 2 (2026-27 to 2029-30) will build on the successes and cost reductions achieved in Phase 1. This phase aims to explore commercial-scale green hydrogen projects across steel, mobility, and shipping sectors, and pilot projects in other sectors such as railways and aviation. R&D activities will be scaled up to continuously improve products, enhancing green hydrogen’s penetration across all potential sectors and driving deep decarbonization of the economy.

Project Stakeholders

Green Hydrogen Project Stakeholders and Responsibilities

Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar

IIT Bhubaneswar provides an excellent academic environment and cutting-edge research opportunities. The institution focuses on promoting globally competitive academic programs, expanding interdisciplinary research, and improving the quality of life through technology. IIT BBS will contribute to R&D support for technological advancements, including exploring hydrogen generation technologies like photoelectrochemical and biohydrogen.

CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology

CSIR-IMMT, a leading research institute in mineralogy and materials engineering, specializes in sustainable technology for the mining, mineral, and metals industries. The institute will provide R&D support for alkaline electrolyzer technology and hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes, particularly for Indian iron ore, in collaboration with Metsol, Sweden.

National Institute of Science Education and Research

NISER Bhubaneswar focuses on training and nurturing human resources in sciences. The institute offers unique academic programs, including a five-year integrated M.Sc. and a robust doctoral research program. NISER will provide R&D support in existing hydrogen technology within the project.

Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation

BCKIC Foundation connects research institutions, academia, industry, and corporates to foster innovation and knowledge exchange. The foundation's objectives include promoting local manufacturing, supporting startups, and enabling industry-oriented research. BCKIC Foundation will play a crucial role in coordinating industrial partnerships, ensuring infrastructure availability, and exploring new opportunities within the Odisha Hydrogen Valley Cluster.

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad

TIFR Hyderabad, a national research centre under the Department of Atomic Energy, is dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research. The institute will contribute to expanding world-class research and support technological applications that enhance societal well-being.

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Bhubaneswar

KIIT is renowned for its comprehensive academic programs and community outreach. The institution offers professional education to thousands of students globally. KIIT will contribute to the project by fostering innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship, and maintaining strong industry interactions.

Metsol, Sweden

Metsol is a Swedish consultancy specializing in green iron- and steelmaking technologies. The company focuses on mitigating CO2 emissions through innovative technological solutions. Metsol will assist in developing process know-how for producing DRI from Indian iron ore and provide consulting support for the Odisha Hydrogen Valley project.

Hero Future Energies

HFE is a part of the Hero Group, plays a crucial role in providing Alkaline Electrolyzer Technology for green hydrogen projects. Established in 2012 with a commitment to environmental sustainability, HFE manages 2.2 GW of wind, solar, and rooftop solar power assets across India and Europe, with another 2 GW of projects in development across India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and the UK. The company is a pioneer in innovative financing and technology, including energy storage, green hydrogen, and wind-solar hybrid projects, making significant contributions to the renewable energy landscape.

Odisha Mining Corporation Limited

OMC is one of India’s largest and fastest-growing mining companies, is committed to using green hydrogen in the mobility sector as part of this initiative. Established in 1956, OMC has evolved into a leader in sustainable mining practices, focusing on efficient, eco-friendly operations and community development. Known for its outstanding CSR and sustainability efforts, OMC has a vision of becoming a world-class organization, contributing to nation-building through resource management and the provision of self-employment opportunities.

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd is a pioneering cement manufacturer with a production capacity of 44.6 MTPA, has committed to procuring green hydrogen for its factory in Odisha. Founded in 1939, Dalmia Cement is recognized for its innovation and sustainability efforts, being India’s largest manufacturer of slag cement with the lowest carbon footprint in the global cement industry. The company is dedicated to enhancing value for its stakeholders through sustainable practices and aims to become 20 times water positive by 2025, reflecting its strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Jindal Steel and Power Limited

JSPL is an industrial powerhouse with a dominant presence in the steel, power, mining, and infrastructure sectors, is partnering in this proposal to use green hydrogen in both the steel and mobility sectors. Led by Mr. Naveen Jindal, JSPL is committed to innovation, sustainable development, and community empowerment. With a production capacity of 10.42 million tons of iron per annum and 1633 MW of power generation capacity, JSPL is focused on nation-building and value creation, continually setting new standards in its industry.

Objectives of the Consortium

❖ Enhance clean hydrogen technology by improving cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability through research and innovation.
❖ Strengthen the knowledge and skills of stakeholders along the hydrogen value chain.
❖ Demonstrate clean hydrogen solutions for local, regional, and nationwide deployment, addressing production, distribution, storage, and use.
❖ Increase public and private awareness, acceptance, and uptake of clean hydrogen technologies.
❖ Develop and commercialize new hydrogen products and processes.
❖ Improve existing products, processes, and applications with reduced material and energy consumption, cost reductions, and enhanced competitiveness.
❖ Develop technologies or designs that meet or exceed occupational health and safety standards.

Expected project outcomes

❖Focus on indigenous technology development in both production and application areas while leveraging the geographical advantages of Odisha state

❖ Selection in line with greening of hard to abate sectors having significant economic potential.

❖ Innovations for greening the steel sector Maintaining lead as the world’s second-largest steel producer while being carbon competitive in evolving norms.

❖ Keeping mining sectors competitive by retrofitting existing trucks leading to limited financial exposure for their gree ning efforts Retrofitted trucks also provide greening opportunities to coal mines.

❖Supporting JUST transition in Odisha in long term while transitioning from coal to green energy.