Himachal Pradesh Leads the Way in Green Hydrogen Production, CM Inaugurates First Project
- HIMACHALPOLITICSSOLAN
- February 5, 2025
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- 109
Solan, February 5: Himachal Pradesh has taken a significant step towards its green energy vision with the foundation stone laid for North India’s first 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant in Dabhota, Nalagarh Tehsil, Solan district. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who led the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasized the importance of the project in the state’s ambitious journey towards becoming India’s first Green Energy State by March 2026. This pioneering initiative is being developed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) in collaboration with Oil India Limited at an estimated cost of ₹9.04 crore. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that the project is completed within one year, reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sukhu underlined the significance of the Dabhota Green Hydrogen Plant in Himachal Pradesh’s broader renewable energy goals. He stated that the project represents a transformative milestone, setting a precedent for green hydrogen production in North India. This initiative, he added, would position Himachal Pradesh as a national leader in renewable energy and environmental sustainability. To further its green agenda, the state government had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil India Limited on April 26, 2023, which focused on the development of solar energy, green hydrogen, geothermal energy, and compressed biogas.
After careful evaluation, a 4,000-square-meter plot of land in Dabhota was identified as the site for this cutting-edge green hydrogen plant. This facility, the first of its scale in the region, symbolizes the state’s progressive steps toward sustainable energy development. The plant will employ renewable energy sources to generate hydrogen through electrolysis, using an alkaline potassium hydroxide solution as an electrolyte. This advanced technology will help minimize greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to a cleaner and greener energy landscape.
Detailing the plant’s operational capacity, Chief Minister Sukhu explained that it would produce approximately 423 kilograms of green hydrogen per day. The production process will require 13 liters of water per kilogram of hydrogen, which will be sourced from underground reserves via tube wells. Additionally, around 52.01 units of electricity will be consumed for each kilogram of hydrogen produced. On an annual scale, the facility is expected to generate approximately 1,54,395 kilograms of green hydrogen, making it a significant contributor to the state’s clean energy objectives. The Chief Minister also highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s ongoing efforts to expand solar energy production, with a dedicated target of achieving 500 MW of solar power in the near future.
The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including MLAs Hardeep Singh Bawa, Ram Kumar Choudhary, Vinod Sultanpuri, and Sanjay Awasthi. Among the key officials present were Vishal Chambyal, Vice Chairman of HPSIDC; Harikesh Meena, Managing Director of HP Power Corporation Ltd.; Shivam Pratap Singh, Director (Personnel and Finance) of HP Power Corporation Ltd.; Dr. Ranjeet Rath, CMD of Indian Oil Ltd.; Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma; and SP Baddi Vinod Dhiman.
With this landmark green hydrogen project, Himachal Pradesh is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s clean energy revolution. The state’s commitment to sustainable energy development reflects a forward-thinking approach that aligns with national and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable resources. As the Dabhota Green Hydrogen Plant takes shape, it is expected to play a vital role in transforming Himachal Pradesh into a model state for green energy innovation.
