Linde, Acme, Thermax among those interested in IOC’s green hydrogen project

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd’s (IOCL) third attempt to secure bidders for its maiden green hydrogen project at Panipat, Haryana, has drawn a blend of domestic heavyweights and global giants, marking a significant shift in industry interest. Among the firms vying for the project are Praxair, a subsidiary of German industrial gas leader Linde;  renewable energy player Acme Group; and engineering solutions company Thermax, according to a notification posted on the IOCL website,  addressing pre-bid queries.

In its third attempt, IOCL introduced a new criteria. To qualify, bidders must have secured the right to establish electrolyser manufacturing and/or green hydrogen production capacity under Mode-1 of the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition or SIGHT Programme, managed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

The green hydrogen generation plant in Panipat, with a capacity of 10,000 KTA, is slated to be the largest green hydrogen plant in the country.

On February 21, IOCL cancelled tenders for its inaugural green hydrogen plant to be set up in Panipat amid allegations that the nation’s largest fuel retailer made “tailored” tender norms favouring a joint venture that included the state-run oil marketing company. The Independent Green Hydrogen Producers Association, comprising six renewable energy firms at the time, filed a petition in the Delhi High Court alleging that IOCL’s tender favoured its joint venture company.