In a groundbreaking move towards establishing Punjab as a pioneer in green and clean energy production, its New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora on Friday announced that the ‘Punjab Green Hydrogen Policy’, crafted by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), aims to convert agricultural residues from liabilities into valuable green energy assets.
Arora, presiding over an open-house session on the Draft Green Hydrogen Policy at CII, shared the state's vision to become a Green Hydrogen or Ammonia producer with a targeted production capacity of 100 kilotons per annum by 2030. The policy envisions innovative manufacturing capacities, including biomass gasification, steam methane reforming, electrolysis of wastewater, and hydrogen fuel blending, he added.
“This initiative will pave a way to explore the technologies for producing green hydrogen from biomass as the Punjab Government has been making concerted efforts to make the state no.1 in production of clean and green energy,” he said.
Turning Biomass into Green Hydrogen
With a focus on producing green hydrogen from biomass, Punjab eyes a zero-carbon future by utilizing the 20 million tons of paddy straw generated annually in the state. Highlighting the state’s commitment to clean and green energy production, Arora said: “Punjab has been mainly focusing on the production of green hydrogen from biomass, which is an attractive option for the transition to a zero-carbon future as 20 million tons of paddy straw is being generated annually in the State.” PEDA chairman HS Hanspal emphasized that the draft policy signifies Punjab's commitment to a sustainable future, moving beyond mere goals to actively contribute to the state's prosperity and energy security.
Incentives and Initiatives Under the Policy
PEDA CEO Dr Amarpal Singh outlined the incentives planned under the Green Hydrogen Policy, reinforcing Punjab's dedication to lead the country in green fuel initiatives. “Punjab is committed to be leaders in the country to contribute towards green fuel for the future which will not only bring prosperity but will also ensure the energy security of the country,” he said. PEDA Director MP Singh shared strategic initiatives focused on utilizing paddy straw for energy production, meeting the state’s requirements.
Acclaimed Experts Applaud PEDA's Initiatives
Experts including Prof Dr S Dasappa from IISC, Bangalore; and Dr G Sridhar from Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; commended PEDA's efforts in promoting green and clean energy. Dr Dasappa presented an innovative technology for hydrogen production from biomass, while Rohit Kumar from PEDA highlighted key aspects of the Draft Green Hydrogen Policy.
Representatives from leading industries, including NLT, HMEL, HPCL, GAIL, Indian Oil, NFL, Vardhman, Sportking, Nahar Group, and industrial associations, consultancy firms, academic institutes, and energy auditors or managers actively participated in the informative session. The collective effort aims to position Punjab at the forefront of sustainable and renewable energy production in the country.