Beyond Oil: Indian Oil Transforms with Nationwide Green Hydrogen Push

Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), India’s largest oil marketing company, has announced plans to establish a nationwide network of green hydrogen dispensing stations, forming a key pillar of its $30 billion strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2046.

According to Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney, the initiative will begin with the replacement of grey hydrogen with green hydrogen across IOCL’s refineries. This will be followed by the development of infrastructure to support green hydrogen-powered mobility, marking a significant shift toward sustainable transportation.

Central to the plan is the upcoming 10,000-tonne-per-annum green hydrogen production plant at the Panipat refinery, slated for commissioning by December 2026. The plant will be the largest of its kind in India, producing green hydrogen at $4.66 per kg, which is below the government’s benchmark of $5 per kg.

Currently, India has only a handful of hydrogen dispensing stations, with IOCL operating two. Sahney emphasized the urgent need to build a robust ecosystem to facilitate the adoption of green hydrogen in the transport sector.

IOCL is also evaluating export opportunities for green hydrogen, aligning with the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and innovation.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.