Thermax and Ceres Join Forces to Accelerate Green Hydrogen Production in India
India, Friday, 13 September 2024.
Thermax partners with Ceres to manufacture large-scale Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOEC) technology for green hydrogen production in India. This strategic collaboration aims to reduce costs and expand clean energy solutions globally, marking a significant step towards sustainable hydrogen economies.
Strategic Collaboration for Green Energy
Thermax, a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions based in Pune, India, has announced a strategic partnership with UK-based Ceres Power Holdings plc. The collaboration focuses on producing green hydrogen using Ceres’ advanced Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOEC) technology. This non-exclusive global license agreement enables Thermax to manufacture, sell, and service Stack Array Modules (SAM) based on Ceres’ SOEC technology, which is crucial for large-scale green hydrogen production.
Technological Advancements
SOEC technology is a novel method that employs solid oxide cells to convert water into hydrogen at high efficiencies, using renewable electricity. This process significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to traditional hydrogen production methods, which rely heavily on fossil fuels. By leveraging SOEC, Thermax aims to develop multi-megawatt electrolysis modules that can be commercialized and deployed both in India and globally. This technology can help in achieving cost-effective production of green hydrogen, making it a viable alternative to fossil-derived hydrogen.
Impact on Global Energy Transition
The partnership between Thermax and Ceres is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating the deployment of SOEC technology in India and beyond. This initiative aligns with global efforts to decarbonize various industries, including steel, shipping, and aviation. According to the Green Hydrogen Catapult, a coalition supported by the UN, green hydrogen has the potential to replace fossil-derived hydrogen and significantly reduce carbon emissions[3]. With the collaboration, Thermax and Ceres aim to scale up the production capacity of green hydrogen and contribute to the global energy transition.
India’s Green Hydrogen Mission
India is already positioning itself as a global leader in green hydrogen technology through initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched on 4 January 2023[5]. The mission focuses on establishing a robust green hydrogen ecosystem, emphasizing research and development to overcome technological challenges and reduce production costs. The International Conference on Green Hydrogen, held from 11-13 September 2024 in New Delhi, further highlighted India’s commitment to advancing green hydrogen technologies[6]. This conference brought together over 3000 delegates and 120 exhibitors from around the world to discuss key topics such as hydrogen production, storage, and distribution.
Future Prospects
The collaboration between Thermax and Ceres represents a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. It is expected to create new opportunities for green hydrogen production, supporting global efforts to combat climate change. By reducing the cost of green hydrogen and increasing its accessibility, this partnership can pave the way for a cleaner, greener future. As India continues to invest in green hydrogen technology, the country is poised to become a major player in the global green hydrogen market, driving innovation and fostering international cooperation.