Pune’s ambitious hydrogen production project from waste, announced by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) two years ago, has hit a roadblock. While the first phase of the project was set to receive ₹93 crore in funding, PMC has stated that advancing such a significant amount upfront is impractical. This development casts doubt on the future of the hydrogen generation initiative.

In September 2022, PMC signed a memorandum with "The Green Billions Limited" to establish an energy generation plant on 5.5 acres of land at Ramtekdi. The project aimed to utilize advanced Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) and plasma gasification technologies, developed with support from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, to produce hydrogen.

Key Benefits of the Project

• Total Project Cost: ₹450 crore

• Initial Funding Requirement: ₹93 crore

• Waste Processing Capacity: 3.8 million metric tons

• Reduction in Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 2.5 million metric tons

The project was expected to process biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste using sensor-based segregation technology. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), the National Chemical Laboratory, and IIM Mumbai had certified the feasibility of the technology.

Financial Setbacks and Grant Issues

PMC had initially planned to pay ₹93 crore as tipping fees based on the net present value, contingent on the success of the first 10-ton hydrogen production plant. The Economic Advisory Committee had approved this arrangement. However, PMC recently stated it could not allocate such an amount in advance.

Additionally, PMC had sought a grant of ₹250 crore under the Central Government’s Hydrogen Mission but has not received any funds to date. The absence of financial support from both the state and central governments has further complicated the project’s prospects.

Prithviraj B.P., Additional Commissioner of PMC, remarked, “The final meeting regarding the hydrogen project has been held. While the company has presented data on how PMC would benefit, it has not been entirely satisfactory. A comprehensive report is being prepared, and the Municipal Commissioner will make a final decision based on it.”

The Green Billions Limited had committed to installing the plant and beginning the first phase, producing 10 tons of hydrogen, after which PMC would evaluate its success. However, the financial uncertainties and lack of grants have stalled progress, leaving the project’s future uncertain.