ReNew Energy, JERA explore green ammonia project in India

Renewable energy firm ReNew Energy Global plc has recently signed an initial agreement with Japanese power generation company JERA Co., Inc. to jointly evaluate development of a green ammonia production project at Paradip in the Indian state of Odisha, through its subsidiary ReNew E-Fuels Private Limited. 

The project will utilize approximately 500 MW of high-capacity utilization factor (CUF) renewable energy to produce green hydrogen, a key feedstock for green ammonia, according to the company. The project is likely to have a production capacity of approximately 100,000 tons of green ammonia annually by 2030. 

JERA will have the right to offtake this green ammonia for Japan. There will be a joint study to evaluate the commercial viability of the project, the partners claim. The two companies have built a strong relationship during the past seven years and the project will leverage ReNew's proven capabilities in renewable energy development and solutioning and JERA's expertise in building full value chains.

"This collaboration marks an exciting time for both ReNew and JERA, and demonstrates our commitment in accelerating the clean energy transition. Green ammonia holds immense potential in reducing carbon emissions and the project, once ready, will contribute to a cleaner future and support India's National Green Hydrogen Mission", said Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman and CEO, ReNew. 

Yukio Kani, Global CEO and Chair of JERA, commented, "Since 2017, JERA has maintained a strong partnership with ReNew, and we are pleased to expand this collaboration to the next level: the first green hydrogen and ammonia development project for JERA". 

"This joint development agreement represents a significant milestone and an exciting advancement moving us one step closer to realizing decarbonized society, with a focus on the sustainability, affordability, and stability of future energy", he added. 

Given India's ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission and Japan's clean energy transition goals, the partners claim to align their project goals in pursuit of the hydrogen ambitions of both the countries. They consider India as a country with high potential for both solar and wind power.

The Indian government aims to produce 5 million tons of green hydrogen per year by 2030, in an effort to become the world's largest green hydrogen hub. The Government of Japan, on the other hand, is planning new initiatives to accelerate the transition towards clean energy.