Uttar Pradesh Leads Clean Energy Drive with First Green Hydrogen Plant in Gorakhpur

In a landmark step towards building a sustainable future, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Uttar Pradesh’s first green hydrogen plant at Khanipur village near Khajni block in Gorakhpur on Sunday. The plant, developed by Torrent Group entities — Torrent Power and Torrent Gas — is only the second of its kind in the country, marking a pivotal milestone in India’s clean energy journey.

The facility is designed to integrate cutting-edge green hydrogen technology with existing natural gas infrastructure. Once operational, it will blend hydrogen with compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG), providing households and industries with a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable fuel option.

“Energy of the future”

Speaking at the inauguration, CM Yogi described the initiative as a beacon of hope for energy independence and environmental sustainability.

“The greatest challenge before humanity today is saving biodiversity and civilization itself. If we want to safeguard life on earth, we must minimise carbon emissions and move towards clean, renewable sources of energy,” he said.

He further emphasised that just as mobile phones, once considered a luxury, became affordable and accessible to every household, green energy technologies like hydrogen will soon follow the same path.

“Green energy may seem costly today, but very soon it will be within reach of every household. This clean energy will not only power homes and industries but will also change the destiny of the world,” the CM added.

Why Green Hydrogen Matters

Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water molecules using renewable electricity, ensuring zero carbon emissions during the process. Unlike conventional fuels, it is clean, renewable, and versatile — capable of powering vehicles, industries, and homes while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Globally, countries are racing to adopt hydrogen technologies as part of their net-zero goals. India’s National Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2021, aims to make the country a hub for hydrogen production and export by 2030. The Gorakhpur plant strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s position as a key player in this national ambition.

Gorakhpur’s New Energy Identity

The city of Gorakhpur is already home to a CNG unit run by Torrent Group. With the launch of the green hydrogen facility, it is poised to become a model city for cleaner fuels and reduced carbon emissions.

The CM noted that Uttar Pradesh, with its abundant water resources, is uniquely positioned to lead in green hydrogen production. By harnessing these resources, the state can fuel economic growth while contributing to climate action.

Experts believe that the Gorakhpur plant could pave the way for green hydrogen corridors in the northern belt of India, potentially creating thousands of new jobs in energy, research, and logistics.

Torrent Group’s Role

Torrent Power and Torrent Gas, part of the Ahmedabad-based Torrent Group, are spearheading the project with a strong commitment to clean energy. Known for their presence in electricity distribution and city gas networks, Torrent’s foray into hydrogen signals a new era of innovation in India’s private energy sector.

The project aligns with the company’s vision of reducing carbon intensity and supporting the country’s net-zero goals. Officials confirmed that hydrogen blending trials with CNG and PNG will begin shortly, with a phased expansion planned over the next few years.

Public Health and Environmental Benefits

The CM also highlighted the potential health advantages of cleaner fuels. Air pollution, a persistent issue in northern India, has been linked to rising respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Transitioning to green hydrogen and cleaner gas blends is expected to drastically cut harmful emissions, improving air quality and public health.

“This plant is not just about energy production; it’s about saving lives, protecting the environment, and securing the future of our next generations,” Yogi remarked.

A Boost for Innovation and Jobs

The Gorakhpur green hydrogen facility is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation in Uttar Pradesh’s energy ecosystem. Universities, technical institutes, and startups in the state are likely to collaborate with Torrent Group and government bodies to advance hydrogen-based technologies.

Analysts predict a surge in demand for skilled professionals in hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, creating opportunities for youth in science, engineering, and sustainability sectors.

Towards India’s Net-Zero 2070 Goal

India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The establishment of hydrogen plants in states like Uttar Pradesh will play a critical role in reaching this target. By enabling large-scale decarbonisation of transport, power generation, and industry, green hydrogen is expected to account for a significant share of India’s clean energy mix.

With this plant, UP has not only taken a leap towards its own renewable energy roadmap but also strengthened India’s credibility on the global climate stage.

What Lies Ahead

The Centre and state governments are expected to announce policy incentives to accelerate hydrogen adoption, such as subsidies for hydrogen-powered vehicles, tax benefits for industries using green fuels, and funding for research.

Additionally, experts recommend scaling up renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power electrolysers — the machines that produce hydrogen. This will ensure that hydrogen production remains truly green.

The CWRDM (Centre for Water Resources Development and Management) and other scientific institutions are already working on models to optimise water use in hydrogen production, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The inauguration of Uttar Pradesh’s first green hydrogen plant in Gorakhpur marks not just an industrial achievement but a step towards a sustainable, healthier, and more prosperous future. By blending innovation with environmental responsibility, UP has signalled its commitment to leading India’s clean energy revolution.

As CM Yogi Adityanath aptly put it, green hydrogen is indeed the “energy of the future” — and Gorakhpur has just taken a decisive step into that future.

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