Adani Commissions Landmark Off-Grid Green Hydrogen Facility in Gujarat
In a monumental step toward realizing India’s clean energy ambitions, Adani Group has commissioned India’s first off-grid 5 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen pilot plant in Kutch, Gujarat. Developed by Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL)—the clean energy division of Adani Enterprises Ltd—this state-of-the-art facility sets a powerful precedent for renewable-powered industrial decarbonization in the country.
This pioneering project is entirely powered by solar energy and includes an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), making it fully self-reliant and off-grid. It demonstrates the technical viability and commercial promise of green hydrogen in emission-intensive industries, aligning with India’s vision to become a global hub for green hydrogen production.
What Makes It Off-Grid—and Why It Matters
Unlike traditional facilities that draw energy from the central grid, Adani’s new plant functions independently, generating its own power through solar photovoltaic systems. This independence makes the plant not only resilient and sustainable, but also showcases the true potential of decentralised clean energy systems.
A standout feature is its automated, closed-loop electrolyser system, designed to adapt dynamically to fluctuating renewable energy inputs. This helps maintain optimum efficiency and performance even with the inherent intermittency of solar power.
“This breakthrough reinforces the Adani Group’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the emerging green hydrogen economy,” the company stated, noting that the pilot plant is a crucial milestone under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Green Hydrogen: The Future Fuel
Hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element, produces only water vapor upon combustion, making it the cleanest fuel available. When produced using renewable electricity—as in this case—it is termed green hydrogen, differentiating it from grey or blue hydrogen that rely on fossil fuels.
Green hydrogen is especially important in hard-to-abate sectors like:
- Fertilizer production
- Petroleum refining
- Long-haul freight transport
- Steel and cement manufacturing
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030, reduce import dependence on fossil fuels, and position India as a global green hydrogen leader.
Proof of Concept Before a Larger Rollout
This 5 MW pilot is not a standalone initiative. It acts as a testbed for ANIL’s much larger Green Hydrogen Hub in Mundra, Gujarat, which is set to scale up India’s production capacity significantly.
The Mundra hub will be a fully integrated facility, manufacturing not just green hydrogen, but also:
- Green ammonia
- Green methanol
- Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
- Solar modules, wafers & ingots
- Wind turbine generators
- Electrolysers
The comprehensive ecosystem is designed to meet domestic and export demand, helping India cement its role in the global hydrogen value chain.
Engineering and Innovation at Scale
The Kutch facility is a testament to indigenous capability, showcasing how Indian companies can design, construct, and operate advanced green hydrogen infrastructure. Key features include:
- 5 MW electrolyser system
- Fully solar-powered generation
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- Modular design for scalability
- Remote operation and monitoring
With more than 90% of components sourced domestically, the project also aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, promoting self-reliance in energy infrastructure and innovation.
Why Battery Storage Is a Game-Changer
A crucial challenge in renewable energy is variability—solar energy is available only during daylight hours. By integrating BESS, Adani ensures the plant can:
- Store excess power during peak generation
- Operate electrolysers during non-sunlight hours
- Maintain consistent hydrogen output
- Optimize cost and efficiency
This technology pairing enhances both the scalability and reliability of off-grid green hydrogen production.
Government Backing and Policy Alignment
This pilot project is closely aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Government of India in January 2023. The mission’s objectives include:
- Reducing carbon intensity
- Creating export opportunities for green hydrogen and its derivatives
- Building national capability in electrolyser manufacturing
- Stimulating employment and economic growth in clean energy sectors
Adani’s commissioning of the first off-grid pilot significantly accelerates progress under this policy roadmap, encouraging more private sector participation.
Green Hydrogen Market Outlook
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global green hydrogen market is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2030. India, with its abundant sunshine, vast land availability, and low-cost renewable energy, is uniquely positioned to become a top exporter of green hydrogen.
With this pilot plant, Adani not only strengthens its leadership in renewable energy but also sets the tone for the commercial viability of off-grid hydrogen systems, which could be adopted globally in remote or industrial settings.
Industry Reactions
Energy experts and policymakers have lauded the development:
“This marks a paradigm shift in India’s energy landscape,” said a senior official at NITI Aayog. “Adani’s off-grid pilot bridges a critical gap between innovation and execution.”
“It’s a bold and timely step that proves off-grid hydrogen systems are not just possible—they’re scalable,” commented a renewable energy analyst at IEEFA.
India’s Green Hydrogen Journey Takes Flight
With the commissioning of the first off-grid green hydrogen pilot, Adani has ignited a new chapter in India’s energy evolution—one defined by decentralization, decarbonization, and determination.
By turning solar rays into storable, clean fuel, this facility paves the way for climate-smart industrial applications, global energy leadership, and a resilient energy future. The sun may set each day, but India’s green hydrogen sunrise has just begun.
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