INOX Air Products, India’s largest producer of industrial, electronic, and medical gases, has commissioned its first green hydrogen production unit at Asahi India Glass Limited’s (AIS) greenfield float glass plant in Soniyana, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. This is a major initiative towards making glass production more sustainable in the country.
AIS, the prominent Indian glass company, has signed a 20-year off-take agreement with INOX Air Products to deliver green hydrogen on a regular basis to fuel its float glass production process. The factory will produce up to 190 tonnes of green hydrogen every year by using electrolysis technology driven by solar power.
India’s First Use of Green Hydrogen in Float Glass Manufacturing
This project is the first green hydrogen use in the float glass production process in India. The process is a pioneer in environmentally friendly manufacturing for the industry in accordance with the country’s goal for clean energy and decarbonization.
INOX Air Products will carry out the plant’s design, engineering, installation, and operation to provide seamless supply of green hydrogen for two decades. At the first stage, 95 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen will be available to AIS in a major decrease in carbon emission at the complex.
Solar-Powered Sustainability Initiative
AIS has invested in a standalone solar power plant to produce renewable energy for green hydrogen generation. The energy-efficient approach is in accordance with AIS’ vision of producing 94% of its power needs from sustainable sources at the Soniyana plant.
On the milestone, Siddharth Jain, Managing Director, INOX Air Products, stated, “Our green hydrogen supply will reduce AIS facility’s CO2 emissions by around 1,250 tonnes annually. The move reflects the central role green hydrogen is to play in India’s clean energy transition.”
Seconding this, Rupinder Shelly, COO-Architectural Glass, Asahi India Glass Ltd., said, “With INOX Air Products’ green hydrogen plant, our sustainability commitment gets further reinforced. We want to build our strength in sustainability, circularity, and decarbonization.”
Greenfield Project for High-Quality Float Glass
AIS has also commissioned its greenfield facility in Chittorgarh to manufacture quality float glass for automotive and architectural applications. The facility has been set up with technology collaboration from AGC Europe to achieve world-class levels of production. The strategic collaboration between INOX Air Products and AIS is a turning point in India’s green hydrogen story, highlighting the transition towards cleaner and greener industrial practices.
