7 Mar 2024
The Indian government has set an ambitious target to transform the country's inland waterways into a green haven within the next five years.
Here's a breakdown of the key developments:
Going Green by 2029:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways aims to make all coastal and river ports in inland waterways 100% reliant on renewable energy by 2029.
This initiative aligns with the Amrit Kaal plan, a vision document outlining India's path to becoming a clean energy leader by 2047.
Leading by Example:
Several ports, including VO Chidambaranar Port (TN), Deendayal Port Authority (Gujarat), Visakhapatnam Port, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Maharashtra), are already utilizing renewable energy for their operations.
Green Hydrogen Push:
The government is actively promoting green hydrogen as a future fuel source for the shipping industry.
Three ports – Kandla (Gujarat), Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu), and Paradip (Odisha) – have been identified as pilot locations for green hydrogen production.
Upgrading Existing Infrastructure:
The Shipping Corporation of India has received a grant of ₹80 crore to retrofit older ships to make them compatible with methanol fuel, a cleaner alternative.
Overall, this initiative signifies a significant commitment from the Indian government to promote sustainable practices in the maritime sector. By transitioning to renewable energy and exploring green hydrogen solutions, India is paving the way for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future for its waterways.