INOX Air Products (INOXAP) and Asahi India Glass Limited (AIS) have joined forces to establish India’s inaugural Green Hydrogen Plant for the Float Glass industry. Through a 20-year offtake agreement, INOXAP will supply AIS’ greenfield float glass facility in Soniyana, Rajasthan with Green Hydrogen, enabling sustainable glass production. Commissioning of the plant, which will generate up to 190 Tons of Green Hydrogen per Annum using solar energy, is expected by July 2024.
The collaboration between INOXAP and AIS aims to reduce carbon emissions, with an estimated annual reduction of 1250 MT and a total reduction of 25000 MT over the project’s 20-year lifespan. As part of the agreement, AIS will invest in the solar power plant that will provide renewable energy for the generation of Green Hydrogen.
AIS’ Soniyana Float Glass facility will be the first in India’s Float Glass industry to be powered by Green Hydrogen, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. The facility aims to utilize 94% of its power requirements from green and sustainable energy sources. Additionally, AIS is investing in electricity generation from flue gases to further reduce their carbon footprint.
This collaboration is in line with AIS’ overall sustainability strategy and their partnership with AGC Europe for the manufacturing of high-quality float glass for automotive and architectural purposes at their Chittorgarh, Rajasthan plant.
Siddharth Jain, Managing Director of INOX Air Products, expressed pride in partnering with AIS for their Chittorgarh facility, emphasizing the environmental benefits of the Green Hydrogen Plant. He also highlighted India’s commitment to green growth, supported by the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
INOX Air Products is the largest manufacturer of Industrial & Medical Gases in India, while AIS is a leading integrated glass and window solutions company. Together, they are spearheading the adoption of sustainable practices in India’s manufacturing sector, contributing to a greener future.
The INOX Air Products and Asahi India Glass Limited partnership to create India’s first green hydrogen plant for the float glass industry is a significant development in the sustainability efforts of the sector. By supplying AIS’ greenfield float glass facility with green hydrogen, the collaboration aims to enable sustainable glass production and reduce carbon emissions.
One key advantage of this project is the use of solar energy to generate up to 190 tons of green hydrogen per annum. Solar energy is a renewable and clean source of power, further enhancing the environmental benefits of this initiative. This demonstrates the commitment of both companies to leveraging green and sustainable energy sources.
In terms of market trends, the demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in the manufacturing sector is on the rise. Consumers and stakeholders are increasingly demanding products that are produced with minimal carbon footprint. The adoption of green hydrogen technology in the float glass industry positions AIS as a leader in sustainability within the market.
Moreover, the partnership aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals, including the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. This highlights the government’s support for such initiatives and creates a favorable environment for the growth of the green hydrogen industry in India.
However, there are also challenges and controversies associated with the adoption of green hydrogen technology. One key challenge is the cost of production. Green hydrogen is currently more expensive to produce compared to traditional hydrogen production methods. This cost difference can impact the economic viability of projects and may require additional investments or subsidies to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen.
Another challenge is the scalability of green hydrogen production. Establishing large-scale green hydrogen plants requires significant infrastructure development, including solar power plants or other renewable energy sources. This could pose logistical challenges and require substantial investment.
Overall, the partnership between INOX Air Products and Asahi India Glass Limited is a notable step towards sustainable manufacturing in India’s float glass industry. It demonstrates the potential of green hydrogen technology to reduce carbon emissions and promote a greener future.
For more information on green hydrogen and its potential, you can visit the website of the International Energy Agency (IEA) at www.iea.org.