Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone for North India’s first 1-MW green hydrogen plant in Dabhota, Solan district, on Wednesday. He instructed officials to ensure the project’s completion within a year, marking a significant step toward the state’s renewable energy goals.
The Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) is developing the project in collaboration with Oil India Limited at an estimated cost of ₹9.04 crore, according to an official statement. The initiative aligns with the state’s vision of becoming India’s first Green Energy State by March 2026.
During the event, CM Sukhu emphasized the importance of the Dabhota Green Hydrogen Plant in advancing Himachal Pradesh’s renewable energy ambitions. He described it as a milestone project that will contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy ecosystem.
The state government had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil India Limited on April 26, 2023, to promote solar energy, green hydrogen, geothermal energy, and compressed biogas. Following site evaluations, a 4,000-square-meter area in Dabhota was chosen for the plant.
The plant will use renewable energy to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, employing an alkaline potassium hydroxide solution as an electrolyte. This method significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the state’s clean energy transition.
With a daily production capacity of 423 kilograms of green hydrogen, the plant will consume 13 liters of water per kilogram of hydrogen, sourced from underground reserves via tube wells. The electrolysis process will require 52.01 units of electricity per kilogram of hydrogen, ensuring efficient energy utilization. Annually, the facility is expected to produce 1,54,395 kilograms of green hydrogen, contributing to India’s green hydrogen ecosystem while reinforcing Himachal Pradesh’s position as a leader in renewable energy and sustainability.
