Adani launches Indias first 5 MW off grid hydrogen facility

Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL) has commissioned the country’s first-ever off-grid 5 MW green hydrogen facility in Kutch, Gujarat. Entirely powered by solar energy and backed by advanced battery storage systems, the facility stands as a significant technological and strategic breakthrough in the green hydrogen space.

The project is designed to operate fully off the grid, leveraging a dedicated solar plant integrated with a battery energy storage system (BESS). This enables the production of green hydrogen without relying on external power sources, ensuring continuous and sustainable operations even during periods of low solar intensity. Industry experts see this pilot project as a critical proof of concept that can redefine decentralised hydrogen production in India. According to company officials, the plant uses a fully automated, closed-loop electrolyser system that dynamically adapts to fluctuations in solar generation. This innovation enables high-efficiency hydrogen output with enhanced operational safety and flexibility. It also significantly reduces carbon intensity across industrial processes where hydrogen is used—particularly in sectors like fertilisers, refining, steel manufacturing, and heavy transport.

The commissioning of the Kutch facility aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), a flagship policy push launched by the Government of India to make the country a global hub for green hydrogen production. Under the NGHM, the aim is to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, while creating over 6 lakh jobs and reducing fossil fuel imports. For Adani Group, this project marks a decisive step in its larger ambition to lead India’s clean energy future. Officials at ANIL say this 5 MW unit is just the beginning. The company is also in the process of developing a much larger green hydrogen hub at Mundra, Gujarat. The lessons from the Kutch pilot are expected to feed into the planning, design, and scale-up of that industrial-scale facility.

Green hydrogen—produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy—is widely viewed as the most promising fuel for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, green hydrogen emits zero carbon dioxide during production. This makes it critical for achieving India’s net-zero carbon goals by 2070, as pledged at the COP26 summit in Glasgow. The off-grid nature of the Kutch plant is of particular significance. While most hydrogen facilities depend on grid power—often derived from fossil fuels—this pilot sets a precedent for completely green, decentralised hydrogen generation. This is especially relevant for remote or industrial areas where grid access is inconsistent or carbon-intensive.

In addition to sustainability, the project offers a technological blueprint for similar developments across India. The integration of solar PV, battery storage, and electrolyser systems is engineered to deliver stable operations, which is essential for long-duration hydrogen production and supply-chain reliability. The digital control systems deployed in the plant also allow for predictive maintenance, minimising operational downtime. The launch of this plant comes at a time when global demand for green hydrogen is accelerating. Countries like Japan, Germany, and South Korea are already entering long-term agreements with clean hydrogen producers. India, with its abundant solar potential and growing industrial base, is well-positioned to be a key supplier in this emerging market. The Kutch facility reinforces India’s ability to deliver technologically advanced and climate-resilient energy solutions at scale.

Though still in its pilot phase, the 5 MW capacity is seen as a meaningful beginning. Green hydrogen production at this scale can displace thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions annually, particularly when integrated with industrial clusters. For instance, hydrogen produced at Kutch could eventually feed into nearby industrial zones or be compressed and transported to regional users. The timing of this development is also critical, with India facing increasing pressure to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve its energy security. Projects like this address both imperatives—decarbonisation and domestic energy resilience—while generating employment and spurring investment in new infrastructure.

Energy analysts have lauded the project for its foresight and alignment with both national and global energy transitions. According to a senior researcher from a renewable energy think tank, “Adani’s pilot shows that India can leapfrog into decentralised, sustainable hydrogen ecosystems. The real test will be cost-competitiveness and scalability.” While some challenges remain—such as the high capital costs of electrolysers and uncertainty around long-term hydrogen demand—the pilot provides valuable data to inform future investments and policymaking. With financial incentives from the central government under the NGHM, and increasing private sector interest, the groundwork for a green hydrogen revolution in India appears to be solidifying.

From a policy and climate perspective, the off-grid green hydrogen plant in Kutch represents more than a pilot—it’s a demonstration of what is technologically feasible and environmentally essential. As India charts its course towards energy independence and net-zero emissions, such decentralised, renewables-driven projects will play a central role in shaping the country’s energy architecture.

Adani launches Indias first 5 MW off grid hydrogen facility