Adani Group Begins Blending Green Hydrogen with Natural Gas in Ahmedabad

Adani Group begins blending green hydrogen with natural gas in Ahmedabad, marking a key step toward cleaner energy and contributing to India's net-zero goals. Learn more about this groundbreaking initiative.

In a landmark move towards cleaner energy and sustainability, Adani Group has commenced blending green hydrogen with natural gas in parts of Ahmedabad, specifically in the Shantigram area. This initiative is a key step in the group's broader plan to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to India's net-zero targets.

Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL), a joint venture between Adani Group and French energy giant TotalEnergies, is spearheading this initiative. The company has started blending 2.2-2.3% of green hydrogen into piped natural gas supplies, providing cleaner energy to around 4,000 domestic and commercial consumers in Shantigram, Ahmedabad. This blending reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with household cooking and heating, making a significant impact on environmental sustainability.

According to a LinkedIn post by the company, "We are thrilled to announce the successful commissioning of our Hydrogen Blending System and in-situ Hydrogen Generation at Adani Shantigram, Ahmedabad." This blend of green hydrogen into natural gas marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards clean energy solutions.

How Green Hydrogen Blending Works?

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources like wind and solar, is created through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The green hydrogen is then blended with natural gas before being distributed through pipelines for household and industrial use. This blend provides a cleaner alternative by lowering the carbon footprint of natural gas, which traditionally relies on fossil fuels.

Currently, the green hydrogen blended gas is used for cooking and heating, resulting in fewer emissions compared to conventional natural gas. Adani Group's initiative is the largest hydrogen-blending project in India, surpassing similar efforts by state-run NTPC in Gujarat’s Surat district and GAIL (India) Ltd in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, which are blending grey hydrogen with natural gas.

Future Plans and Expansion

ATGL plans to gradually increase the percentage of green hydrogen in its natural gas supply, aiming to reach 5% and eventually 8%. Beyond Shantigram, the company aims to extend this initiative to other parts of Ahmedabad and regions where it holds a city gas license.

“This achievement marks a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to cleaner energy solutions,” ATGL said in a statement. “By blending hydrogen with natural gas, we are lowering greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and supporting sustainable development aligned with our honorable Prime Minister’s vision.”

The company’s commitment to green hydrogen is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support sustainable growth in India's energy sector. Although green hydrogen’s potential is widely recognized, its corrosive nature and the high costs of production present challenges to large-scale adoption. Nonetheless, studies have shown that blending up to 10% hydrogen with natural gas does not harm pipelines or equipment, with the potential to increase this to 30% using upgraded materials.