PMC’s Green Hydrogen Project Hits Financial Hurdle

In a pioneering effort aligned with the Union government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) announced an ambitious project in January last year to produce green hydrogen from waste. This initiative, which would have marked PMC as the first civic body in India to undertake such a project, has unfortunately encountered significant financial obstacles, causing delays in its implementation.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved by the Union government, aims to bolster renewable energy usage and reduce carbon emissions. In response, PMC unveiled its plan to generate green hydrogen from waste, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable energy initiatives. However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the project has yet to commence due to financial constraints.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 420 crore, was to be undertaken by a private company. However, the company has expressed its inability to raise the required funds independently and has requested Rs 256 crore in financial support from PMC. This funding shortfall has stalled the project, and the civic administration is currently deliberating on whether to provide the necessary financial assistance.

An official from the civic solid waste management department stated, “The company has requested Rs 256 crore from PMC to proceed with the project, leading to delays. To address this, PMC has established a Technical Advisory Committee to assess the project’s feasibility and financial requirements.”

In December 2022, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) granted approval for the project to produce hydrogen gas from waste. The company had initially planned to invest Rs 375 crore and operate the plant for 30 years. The PMC had allocated 5.59 acres of land at Ramtekdi Industrial Estate in Hadapsar for the project, agreeing to pay Rs 347 per metric tonne of waste as a tipping fee.

The proposed plant was designed to process 350 metric tonnes of waste daily, producing 50 metric tonnes of bio-fertiliser and nine metric tonnes of hydrogen. The technology for this innovative project was developed in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), reflecting a significant leap in indigenous technological capability.

Despite these promising aspects, the project’s future remains uncertain due to the unresolved financial issues. The PMC’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy is evident, but the successful execution of this project hinges on overcoming the current financial hurdles.

This situation highlights the complexities and challenges inherent in pioneering large-scale sustainable energy projects. As PMC navigates these challenges, the broader goal of advancing green hydrogen production and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future remains a driving force. The resolution of these financial constraints will be crucial in determining the project’s trajectory and its potential impact on Pune’s sustainable energy landscape.