10th December 2024 – Ohmium International (“Ohmium”), a leading green hydrogen company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, and Spirare Energy, a provider of on-site energy generation systems, are pleased to announce the successful production of green hydrogen at a green microgrid pilot project for NTPC, India’s largest power utility at their Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) campus.
The green microgrid sustainably powers the NTPC NETRA campus in New Delhi and is designed to provide continuous power. A solar array provides green power to the microgrid and the Ohmium PEM electrolyzer system. The Ohmium system produces green hydrogen, which is stored on-site. When electricity is needed, the stored hydrogen is converted back into power using fuel cells. The dynamic Ohmium PEM electrolyzers help ensure efficient utilization of solar energy for green hydrogen production, while their advanced power electronics, equipped with grid ancillary services capabilities, further enhance the stability of the microgrid.
Suhas Bhasin, CEO of Spirare Energy, said: “Spirare Energy collaborated with Ohmium and NTPC on this project. Together, we are committed to advancing Indian energy independence and local community development by increasing the availability of reliable power using renewable energy. Green microgrids that harness local renewable resources are a powerful tool, especially for projects like this and for rural communities.”
Reliable electric power is essential for regional development but delivering that power across much of the world remains a significant challenge. Green microgrids, which tap into local renewable energy resources, offer a promising solution. These localized energy networks can operate independently or in tandem with the power grid, providing the reliability needed for sustainable development and growth.
“The Ohmium PEM electrolyzers are an excellent match for this project because of their efficiency and seamless integration with solar energy,” explained Suhas Bhasin, CEO of Spirare Energy. “Their technology can dynamically ramp up or down quickly to maximize renewable energy, and their rugged outdoor cabinets can withstand New Delhi’s heat. Additionally, green hydrogen is well-suited for longer duration storage.”
Arne Ballantine, CEO of Ohmium, said: “This project shows the visionary leadership of NTPC and the innovative on-site energy generation capabilities of Spirare. Microgrids can make a significant contribution to India’s energy independence and sustainability goals. By combining our cutting-edge PEM technology and renewable energy resources, we enable reliable power production, overcoming typical intermittency challenges with the grid and renewable energy resources alone. We’re excited to collaborate with Spirare Energy and NTPC on this project and look forward to many more in the future”.
The campus microgrid is one of eight NTPC projects dedicated by Indian Prime Minister Modi in March 2024 to demonstrate the nation’s commitment to decarbonization and sustainable development. It is part of NTPC’s broader plan to install 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.
In July 2024, Ohmium launched its Gigafactory in Bangalore, and in August, it was selected for Tranche II of MNRE’s SIGHT Incentive Program, underscoring the company’s dedication to advancing green hydrogen technology in India.