Hill state inks pact with HLC Green Energy; will generate 2,500 jobs

Green hydrogen has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, the CM said, adding that it also has the potential to reduce fertiliser prices and contribute to the nation’s economy through import substitution.

“Himachal Pradesh is already famous for green hydel energy and will now encourage new clean energy projects such as ethanol, green hydrogen, green ammonia, and solar, among others,” Sukhu said, adding that the state will soon become a model for green energy utilisation.

The CM said that the state has a clear-cut advantage on account of abundant green hydel energy and water resources.

Sukhu has assured full cooperation and support from the state government to the company in setting up the project in the state.

The industries minister said that the company intends to produce 0.3 million metric tons (MMT) of green hydrogen and 1.5 million metric tons (MMT) of green ammonia per year, respectively.

The land requirement for this project is around 25 acres and the project is likely to be set up in Una and Kangra due to water and logistics suitability.

The minister said that the manufacturing facility has planned to bring in an investment of more than Rs 4,000 crore, besides generating direct and indirect employment opportunities for about 2,500 people. It would also help create skilled labour for the nearby villages, the minister added.

Out of the existing 24,500 MW, 11,149 MW energy has been harnessed which is completely green energy and 58 projects of 2,454 MW capacity are under construction stage and 726 projects of 8,112 MW capacity are at various stages of acceptance.

A total of 26 hydropower projects of 11688 MW have been allocated under the central and joint sector, out of which 12 projects of about 7458 MW have been exploited, three projects of 1076 MW capacity are under construction and 11 projects of 3155 MW capacity are at various stages of approval.

In his maiden budget, the CM had pushed for green energy reforms and announced that Himachal Pradesh will become a ‘green energy state’ by 2026.