AIIB to Invest USD 1 Billion for Infrastructure
Maharashtra is set to take a significant step towards achieving its green energy goals with the backing of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which has committed to invest USD 1 billion. The funds will support the establishment of vital infrastructure, including hydrogen pipelines and hydrolysis plants, to boost the state’s green hydrogen initiative.
The Maharashtra government recently held a pivotal meeting with AIIB to discuss the project. During the meeting, Praveen Pardeshi, Senior IAS officer and Chief Executive Officer of NITI Maharashtra, speaking to Marksmendaily shared his thoughts on the partnership and the challenges the state faces in implementing its green hydrogen policy. “Maharashtra has a green hydrogen policy in place, but the infrastructure to produce green hydrogen is still lacking. We are grateful for AIIB’s support in providing the necessary funding to address this gap,” Pardeshi said.
How is green Hydrogen produced?
The green hydrogen production process involves the use of electrolysis, a method that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydropower. This method ensures that hydrogen production is both clean and sustainable, as the electricity required comes from zero-emission energy sources. “The advantage of green hydrogen is its potential to replace carbon-heavy fuels, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional hydrogen produced from fossil fuels,” Pardeshi added.
The green hydrogen infrastructure in Maharashtra will include electrolysers, renewable power generation systems, and hydrogen storage or transportation facilities. Electrolysers, the heart of the process, require a stable and abundant supply of renewable electricity. Large-scale industrial systems will be put in place to meet the growing demand for hydrogen, and a distribution network will be set up to transport the hydrogen to consumers. “This investment will help develop an ecosystem for green hydrogen, from production to transportation, ensuring a seamless transition to this clean fuel,” said Pardeshi.
The hydrolysis plants that will be set up under this initiative will contain various components, including electrolysers, power supplies, water purification systems, and cooling units. “These plants will operate continuously and require high-efficiency systems to ensure energy optimization and minimize losses, ensuring the sustainability of hydrogen production,” Pardeshi explained.
In addition to AIIB, key players such as BPCL, HPCL, and Reliance Green Energy were also part of the discussions to collaborate on this transformative initiative. “We are confident that this strategic partnership will establish Maharashtra as a leading state in green hydrogen production,” said Pardeshi.
With AIIB’s investment and a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, Maharashtra is poised to become a major hub for green hydrogen production, contributing to India’s broader energy transition goals.
