Odisha Govt Partners with GAIL to Develop Green Projects

The Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd (IPICOL) and Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the areas of green hydrogen, green ammonia and renewable energy (solar / wind) for the production of eco-friendly fuels in Odisha.

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Odisha, being a power surplus state, is looking to further strengthen its position in power and these upcoming plants will help heavy industries based in the state to supplement their growing power requirements, said an official release.

Scope of the MoU also includes preparing a feasibility study for setting up the proposed plants. IPICOL, as the investment promotion agency of Odisha, undertakes all activities to promote the state as the investment destination of choice.

Green hydrogen is expected to help the industries cut aggregate emissions of Green House Gases (GHGs), thus contributing to the overall objectives of the Government of India’s INDC targets.

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Traditionally, Odisha has been known for its mineral and mining strength. Since the turn of the millennium, the focus of the state has shifted to manufacturing and services industrial growth, with renewable energy production being foregrounded in recent time.

"Currently, Odisha has a very large pre-existing market for hydrogen and with this joint effort to produce green hydrogen in bulk, the cost of green hydrogen will get reduced for industrial consumption," added Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Govt of Odisha.

M V Iyer, Director (Business Development), GAIL, stated “We are focused on the development of natural gas infrastructure and clean energy projects in Odisha and the rest of the country. In Odisha, GAIL is laying natural gas pipeline, setting up a CGD project and also setting up a coal gasification plant in JV mode.”

The event was attended and appreciated by the leading steel, aluminium and chemical manufacturers along with the leading industry bodies such as FICCI, ICC, CII and UCCI, the release added.