Glass maker Asahi India Glass Limited (AIS) and industrial and medical gas manufacturer INOX Air Products (INOXAP) have entered into a 20-year offtake agreement for supply of green hydrogen, to AIS’ greenfield float glass facility in Soniyana in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.
This will be India’s first-ever green hydrogen plant for the float glass industry, paving the way for sustainable glass production.
The site will have the capacity to generate up to 190 tonnes of the fuel a year and is slated to be commissioned by July 2024. The electrolyser will be powered by solar energy.
INOXAP is responsible for the design, engineering, installation, operations and a continuous supply of green hydrogen to the AIS facility for 20 years.
In the first phase, 95TPA green hydrogen will be supplied to AIS. As a part of the agreement, AIS will invest in the solar power plant, which will supply renewable energy for the generation of the fuel.
“As a leading and responsible glass company, AIS is a strong believer in sustainability,” said the company’s chief operating officer, architectural glass Rupinder Shelly.
“Our partnership with INOXAP for green hydrogen underlines the same belief.
“It is a matter of immense pride that AIS’ Soniyana float glass facility will be the first-ever plant in the float glass industry in India to be powered by green hydrogen.
“AIS continues to invest in and build capabilities in sustainability, circularity, and de-carbonization.
Our greenfield plant at Soniyana targets to use 94% of its power requirements through green and sustainable energy sources.
“In addition to investment in solar power, AIS is investing to generate electricity from flue gases before releasing through chimney.
“This pioneering initiative not only exemplifies our shared vision for a greener future but also reinforces India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy adoption.”
INOXAP managing director Siddharth Jain added: “We are proud to begin our green hydrogen journey as we partner with AIS for their Chittorgarh facility and giving shape to our first green hydrogen plant as well as India’s first-ever green hydrogen plant for the float glass sector.
“This development would substantially reduce CO2 emissions with a reduction of 1250MTPA.
“The trust shown by AIS in our capabilities is a testament to our expertise in safety, technology and project management.
“Green hydrogen will play a pivotal role in India’s energy transition towards de-carbonization and secure energy for our country as well as the planet.
“Under the strong leadership of PM Modi, our country has laid tremendous focus on green economy, supported by a comprehensive National Green Hydrogen Mission and an ambition to make India net zero by 2070.
“Green growth is the way forward, and we are firmly committed to driving significant sustainability in India’s manufacturing sector.”