Adani Group Launches India’s Largest Hydrogen Blending Program for a Cleaner Future

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, has unveiled the largest hydrogen blending program in India, marking a significant step towards transforming the country's energy landscape. This groundbreaking initiative involves blending green hydrogen with natural gas, which is then supplied to homes and industries. The program, which has been launched in Ahmedabad, is expected to have a far-reaching impact on reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy.

Adani Total Gas Ltd, the joint venture between the Adani Group and French energy giant TotalEnergies, is spearheading this initiative. According to a recent LinkedIn post by the company, they have commenced blending 2.2-2.3% of green hydrogen into piped natural gas supplies in Shantigram, Ahmedabad. This development is seen as a game changer in India's transition towards a cleaner energy future.

Adani Launches India's Largest Hydrogen Blending Program

The initiative involves producing green hydrogen using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This hydrogen is produced through a process known as electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. The green hydrogen is then injected into natural gas pipelines and blended with the existing gas supply.

The resulting mixture is being supplied to households for cooking and other purposes, significantly reducing carbon emissions when compared to traditional natural gas usage.

Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) has proudly announced the successful launch of its Hydrogen Blending System in Shantigram. The program is designed to provide hydrogen-blended natural gas to 4,000 domestic and commercial consumers, making it the largest such initiative in the country.

"We are thrilled to announce the successful commissioning of our Hydrogen Blending System and in-situ Hydrogen Generation at Adani Shantigram, Ahmedabad," ATGL stated. The firm has made it clear that this project aligns with its vision to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions.

How Hydrogen Blending Works

Hydrogen blending involves injecting hydrogen into natural gas pipelines to create a cleaner, greener energy solution. While green hydrogen has no carbon emissions, it has historically been limited by its potential to corrode pipelines and equipment. However, research has shown that up to 10% hydrogen can be safely blended into natural gas without compromising the integrity of the pipelines or equipment.

Currently, ATGL is blending 2.2-2.3% hydrogen into its natural gas supply, with plans to increase this to 5% and, eventually, 8%. The firm has plans to expand this initiative beyond Shantigram, aiming to provide hydrogen-blended natural gas to other parts of Ahmedabad and other regions where it holds city gas licenses.

Scaling Up Hydrogen Blending for a Greener Future

The Adani Group's long-term plan is to gradually increase the percentage of hydrogen blended into natural gas supplies. The target is to reach a blend of 8% in the coming years, while research indicates that up to 30% hydrogen blending is possible with modifications to the material grade and wall thickness of pipelines and equipment.

ATGL's CEO, Suresh P. Manglani, emphasized that the project is a major milestone in the company's efforts to decarbonize India's energy landscape. "This initiative is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable development," Manglani said.

The hydrogen blending program not only reduces emissions but also enhances energy security by making use of domestically produced renewable energy. This is particularly important for a country like India, which is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels.

Adani's Future Plans for Hydrogen Blending

Adani Total Gas Ltd is not the only company in India experimenting with hydrogen blending. NTPC, the state-owned power generator, has already begun supplying green hydrogen-blended natural gas to households in Kawas, Surat district, Gujarat. Additionally, GAIL (India) Ltd, a state-owned gas utility, is conducting a small pilot in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where they are blending grey hydrogen into compressed natural gas (CNG).

However, Adani's hydrogen blending program is by far the largest and most ambitious, setting the stage for a broader shift towards hydrogen as a key component of India's energy mix. The company aims to increase the hydrogen blend to 8%, eventually expanding the program to other cities and regions.

ATGL's leadership sees this program as a crucial step towards achieving India's carbon reduction targets, as well as meeting global commitments to address climate change.

The Global Importance of Hydrogen Energy

Hydrogen is seen as one of the key components of the global energy transition, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Hydrogen can be extracted from various sources, including fossil fuels, biomass, and water, making it a versatile and sustainable energy solution.

Blending hydrogen with natural gas allows for the gradual adoption of this clean fuel, reducing emissions while leveraging existing infrastructure. The Adani Group's hydrogen blending initiative is expected to play a significant role in India's efforts to become a global leader in clean energy.

As the world moves towards a greener future, initiatives like the Adani Group's hydrogen blending program will be critical in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Conclusion:

The Adani Group's hydrogen blending program is a monumental step towards decarbonizing India's energy sector and transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. By blending green hydrogen into natural gas pipelines, the program reduces emissions and enhances energy security, paving the way for a greener future. As the project scales up, Adani Total Gas Ltd is setting an example for other companies and nations to follow in the quest for cleaner energy alternatives.