Visakhapatnam poised to become India’s green hydrogen hub

Visakhapatnam is emerging as a centre of India’s green hydrogen revolution. Its coastal location, access to renewable energy, and major port make it ideal for large-scale clean-energy projects.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub, a joint venture between NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Andhra Pradesh’s NREDCAP. The project, with an estimated Rs1.85 lakh crore investment, aims to produce 1,500 tonnes of green hydrogen per day, along with 7,500 tonnes of derivatives including green methanol, urea, and aviation fuel.

Modi described the hub as a dual-purpose initiative: it will help India meet its climate goals while building a strong industrial base in Andhra Pradesh. The project is also central to the government’s plan to increase national green hydrogen production to 5 million tonnes annually by 2030.

Visakhapatnam is also home to India’s first desalination-based hydrogen project. Led by the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) with NTPC, it uses waste heat to convert seawater into distilled water, then produces hydrogen through electrolysis. The project generates one tonne of hydrogen daily with a significantly lower carbon footprint.

The Pudimadaka hub is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and expand exports through hydrogen derivatives. Its 20 GW of renewable energy capacity will power the electrolysers, making it one of India’s largest integrated green hydrogen facilities.

This growth aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s Green Hydrogen Valley plan, which targets 1.5 million tonnes of production annually by 2029. By leveraging its coastline, renewable energy, and industrial infrastructure, the state is positioning itself as a national leader in the sector.

As the Pudimadaka hub takes shape, Visakhapatnam could become India’s green hydrogen capital, driving economic growth while advancing sustainable energy.