Ohmium and Spirare Unveil Hydrogen Production at NTPC NETRA Campus Microgrid

Ohmium International, a US-based green hydrogen solutions provider, and Spirare Energy, specialising in on-site energy systems, have successfully produced green hydrogen at NTPC’s NETRA campus in New Delhi through an innovative microgrid pilot project.

As per the firm, the green microgrid is designed to sustainably power the NTPC NETRA campus by leveraging solar energy and green hydrogen technology. Solar panels supply renewable energy to the microgrid and power Ohmium’s advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers, which produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen is stored on-site and converted back to electricity using fuel cells when needed, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply, even in the absence of a power grid.

Ohmium’s PEM electrolysers, known for their efficiency and seamless integration with renewable energy sources, play a critical role in optimising solar energy utilization. Their dynamic capabilities allow them to ramp up or down quickly, ensuring maximum efficiency. Moreover, their rugged outdoor design makes them ideal for New Delhi’s challenging climate conditions.

The microgrid’s ability to provide consistent, clean energy highlights its potential as a scalable solution for rural electrification and community development. Commenting on the project, Suhas Bhasin, CEO of Spirare Energy, stated, “This collaboration with Ohmium and NTPC represents a step forward in advancing India’s energy independence. Green microgrids that utilise local renewable resources are transformative, particularly for rural areas and projects like this, enabling reliable and sustainable power.”

Arne Ballantine, CEO of Ohmium, emphasised the broader impact of such initiatives,as he said, “This project showcases NTPC’s visionary leadership and the innovative energy solutions offered by Spirare. By combining renewable energy with our cutting-edge PEM technology, we can overcome the intermittency challenges of traditional grids and renewable energy. We are proud to support India’s sustainability goals and look forward to further collaborations.”

The microgrid project is part of NTPC’s broader commitment to sustainability, including a plan to install 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032. This initiative was one of eight NTPC projects inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2024 to demonstrate India’s dedication to decarbonisation and sustainable development.

The firm said in its statement that in July 2024, the company launched its Gigafactory in Bangalore, followed by its selection for Tranche II of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program in August. It further said that it has manufacturing facilities in India and a project pipeline exceeding 2 GW across three continents. In 2023, the company raised USD 250 million in Series C funding led by TPG Rise Climate.

This microgrid collaboration exemplifies India’s strides in achieving energy independence and carbon neutrality, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.