Sembcorp Industries Initiates ₹36,000 Crore Project in Tamil Nadu.

Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries Ltd, through its green hydrogen unit, has commenced initial steps towards a significant ₹36,238 crore investment to establish a green hydrogen facility in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.

The company has awarded the first phase of the front-end engineering design contract to Tecnimont, the engineering and construction solutions arm of Italy-based Maire Tecnimont, in collaboration with its sustainable technology solutions arm, Nextchem. This contract is specifically for a 'green ammonia plant to be located in India' under the banner of Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India, as per a statement released.

Earlier this year, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Sembcorp and the Tamil Nadu government, outlining plans that are expected to generate around 1,511 jobs in the Thoothukudi area. Additionally, Sembcorp has partnered with Japanese entities such as Sojitz Corp and Kyushu Electric Power to export green hydrogen produced in India to Japan.

The engineering design study will leverage Nextchem’s digital tool, ArcHy (Architecture of Hydrogen

systems), aimed at addressing the intermittent nature of renewable power usage. This approach is anticipated to enhance capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex) efficiency throughout the plant's lifecycle, according to Maire's statement.

Alessandro Bernini, CEO of Maire Tecnimont, expressed confidence in the project, highlighting their global experience in energy transition projects and green ammonia plants. He emphasized their commitment to proposing engineering and technological solutions that align with industry decarbonization goals while ensuring cost efficiency.

The development marks a significant stride towards leveraging renewable energy for sustainable hydrogen production, positioning Tamil Nadu as a hub for green hydrogen innovation and export potential to international markets like Japan.

BS