Green hydrogen hub yet to see progress one year after launch
The Green Hydrogen Hub proposed near Pudimadaka has made no visible progress even one year after its foundation stone was laid, raising concerns over delays in one of Andhra Pradesh’s most ambitious clean energy projects.
The project was virtually inaugurated on January 8 last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Visakhapatnam. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan were present at the event. The launch created expectations of quick execution and new livelihood opportunities for displaced families and fishermen in the region.
However, no construction activity has begun so far. The lack of progress has led to uncertainty and concern among residents about whether the project will move forward.
The Green Hydrogen Hub is planned with an estimated investment of ₹1.2 lakh crore. It is expected to generate employment for nearly 1.2 lakh people, including 60,000 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect jobs. Officials have said that once operational, the project would bring international recognition to Atchutapuram and strengthen the State’s clean energy profile.
The project is being promoted as the country’s largest proposed hydrogen hub. It is expected to attract ancillary industries and support regional development, particularly in the erstwhile Visakhapatnam district. Despite its scale and importance, the project remains stuck at the tender stage.
About 1,200 acres of land have been identified near Pudimadaka for the project. Plans also include the construction of a 12-km boundary wall. Technical support from Australian experts has been proposed. Officials say delays in securing statutory clearances are the main reason for the project not moving ahead.
There are also allegations of administrative indifference. Senior officials are said to be monitoring the project from Vijayawada, while local authorities are accused of showing limited urgency. Residents point out that despite being inaugurated by the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, the project has not received adequate priority.
With a year having passed since the foundation ceremony, stakeholders are urging the government to speed up approvals and begin construction so that the promised employment and development benefits can be realised.