INOX Air Products (INOXAP), one of India’s largest manufacturer of industrial, electronic, and medical gases, commissioned its first green hydrogen manufacturing plant at Asahi India Glass Limited’s (AIS) new float glass facility in Soniyana, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. This marks India’s first use of green hydrogen in the float glass manufacturing process, setting a precedent for sustainable glass production.
20-Year Green Hydrogen Offtake Agreement
AIS, a glass manufacturer, has entered into a 20-year offtake agreement with INOXAP for a consistent supply of green hydrogen. Powered by solar energy, the plant will generate up to 190 tons of green hydrogen annually through electrolysis. In the initial phase, INOXAP will supply 95 tons per annum (TPA) to AIS, helping to significantly reduce carbon emissions at the facility.
INOXAP’s Role in Project Execution and Sustainability
INOXAP is responsible for designing, engineering, installing, and operating the green hydrogen plant, ensuring a continuous supply to AIS. AIS has invested in a solar power plant to provide renewable energy for hydrogen production. This reinforces its commitment to sustainability. This initiative is expected to cut CO2 emissions at the facility by approximately 1,250 metric tons per annum (MTPA).
Leadership Perspectives on the Green Hydrogen Initiative
Siddharth Jain, Managing Director, INOX Air Products, stated, “We are thrilled to launch our green hydrogen journey with AIS at their Soniyana facility. This project is India’s first green hydrogen initiative for the float glass sector, and AIS’s trust in our expertise highlights our strengths in safety, technology, and project management. Green Hydrogen will play a critical role in India’s energy transition, aiding decarbonization and securing a sustainable energy future. We aim to expand our green hydrogen supply to other industries seeking to lower emissions. Our goal is to contribute to India’s net-zero target by 2070.”
Rupinder Shelly, COO-Architectural Glass, Asahi India Glass Ltd, emphasized, “We take pride in being India’s first glass manufacturer to use Green Hydrogen. This marks a milestone in float glass production. With INOXAP’s Green Hydrogen plant operational at our Soniyana facility, our sustainability efforts have gained momentum. We aim to meet 94% of our power needs through renewable sources. Our initiatives, including generating electricity from flue gases before releasing them, further our goals of sustainability, circularity, and decarbonization. This project not only supports our green vision but also strengthens India’s leadership in renewable energy adoption.”
A Step Towards a Greener Future
AIS has established a greenfield float glass manufacturing project in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, in collaboration with AGC Europe. Partnering with INOXAP for a Green Hydrogen plant aligns with AIS’s broader sustainability strategy, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint. As per the press release, the initiative reflects India’s growing commitment to green energy. It also paves the way for more sustainable industrial practices.
