Startup Originals Team
In a landmark move for India’s clean energy sector, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), through its subsidiary L&T Energy GreenTech Ltd (LTEG), is set to establish the country’s largest green hydrogen plant at the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) refinery in Panipat, Haryana. This project represents a major step forward in India’s pursuit of sustainable industrial growth and decarbonization goals.
Project Overview:
Size, Scope, and Operation:
The new plant will produce 10,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, making it the largest facility of its kind in India. It is designed to operate 24/7, powered completely by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. The facility will be developed under a build-own-operate (BOO) model, with L&T entering into a 25-year agreement to supply green hydrogen exclusively to IOCL.
Strategic Importance:
This project is a central component of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, an initiative that aims to make the country a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. By replacing fossil fuel-derived hydrogen with green hydrogen, IOCL aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its refining operations and support the nation’s net-zero emissions target.
Advanced Green Technology:
Electrolyser Manufacturing:
A key feature of this initiative is the use of high-pressure alkaline electrolysers, manufactured indigenously by L&T Electrolysers Ltd at Hazira, Gujarat. These state-of-the-art electrolysers use licensed technology from McPhy Energy, France, and are specifically designed for flexibility, efficiency, and thermal stability-making them ideal for large-scale, round-the-clock green hydrogen production. The plant’s integration of these advanced electrolysers positions India as a competitive force in the international green energy market.
Supporting “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat:
The manufacturing of these electrolysers within India supports both the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) campaigns. It strengthens the domestic supply chain, creates new opportunities for skilled professionals, and fosters innovation within the country.
Decarbonizing Indian Industry:
Replacing Grey Hydrogen:
Currently, the Panipat refinery-and most other heavy industries-have relied on “grey” hydrogen derived from natural gas, which releases significant carbon emissions. The new green hydrogen facility will replace a substantial part of this output with emission-free hydrogen, leading to cleaner industrial processes and setting a new benchmark for the refinery sector.
Long-Term Environmental Impact:
Running exclusively on renewable energy, the plant will help reduce dependency on fossil fuels, advance India’s clean energy infrastructure, and pave the way for expansion across hard-to-abate sectors like fertilizers, steel, and chemical manufacturing.
Vision and Leadership:
Subramanian Sarma, Deputy Managing Director & President of L&T, highlighted that this mission “validates our strategy to lead the nation’s energy transition,” reinforcing the company’s capability to deliver large-scale clean energy solutions. Meanwhile, Derek Shah, Head of Green Manufacturing & Development at L&T, noted the project “reflects our end-to-end green energy capabilities, from electrolyser manufacturing to execution and operation”.
Conclusion:
The Panipat green hydrogen project is a pivotal milestone for India on the path to sustainable energy and industrial transformation. By combining cutting-edge technology, indigenous manufacturing, and long-term vision, L&T and IOCL are leading the way toward a cleaner, greener future for India-promoting national initiatives while setting new standards for industrial innovation and climate action.
