Govt mulls introducing new company to boost green hydrogen initiatives in state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government decided to form a new company with the aim of increasing hydrogen vehicles in the state. An order has been issued in this regard.

The new company will be headed by ANERT under the name "Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Kerala". The CEO of ANERT will be the Chairman and Managing Director.

The company will conform to the conditions and guidelines of the Central Department of Science and Technology. In the first phase of operation till 2030, the cost is expected to be Rs 133 crore. Rs 58 crore from this will come as central government’s share. The rest will be borne by the state government and shareholders. The Board of Directors will consist of two representatives of the Central Government, representatives of the Finance and Power Departments of the State Government, two representatives of the shareholders, and two representatives of the public and private industries.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for more infrastructure development, job availability, environmental protection measures and new investment opportunities in the state. The aim of the company is to promote the use of hydrogen instead of electricity and indulge in researching new possibilities for hydrogen use.

The Hydrogen Valley project aims to turn a region, district or state into a hydrogen hotspot by running more vehicles and industries using green hydrogen.