Groundbreaking Development India and Japan Sign Agreement for Green Ammonia Export

Vinodhini Harish

28 Nov 2024

Introduction:

A new era in Green Energy collaboration is embarked on as India and Japan jointly achieve a significant milestone in pursuing green energy collaboration. Their first project offtake agreement for green ammonia export. The deal finalized on Tuesday in the presence of India’s Minister of New & renewable energy, Pralhad Joshi is expected to open doors for future partnerships in the green energy sector between the two nations. This article is expected to leverage renewable energy for green ammonia production and integrate into Japan’s energy mix, this collaboration paves the way for reducing carbon emissions and fostering long-term sustainability. In this article, we have explored this agreement and explained how it strengthens India’s position as a global leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production.

A historical step forward in Green Energy:

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy(MNRE) commanded the agreement as a key step in India’s emergence as a global leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production.

The Heads of Terms Agreement was signed by Sembcorp Industries, Sojitz Corporation, Kyushu Electric Power, and NYK line, establishing a cross-border green ammonia supply chain from India to Japan.

The intention behind the agreement is to strengthen the cross-border partnerships in the green energy sector by leveraging India’s growing capacity for renewable energy production and Japan’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources.

Also to facilitate a robust supply chain by establishing a dependable and efficient supply chain for green ammonia from India to Japan, showcasing India’s production capabilities and ensuring Japan’s access to clean energy solutions for its industries.

The agreement also enables Japan to partially replace coal consumption in its thermal power plants with green ammonia, supporting global efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. It also reinforces India’s position as a key player in the global renewable energy market by demonstrating its ability to produce and export green ammonia at competitive costs.

The MNRE remarked that the contract symbolizes the first such partnership between the two nations, underscoring India’s growing prominence in the global green energy landscape.

The role of the involved industries under the agreement:
 
  1. Sembcorp Industries: Spearheading Green Ammonia Production

    The role of Sembcorp Industries is to lead the production of Green ammonia in India using renewable energy sources like solar and wind, as opposed to conventional ammonia that relies on fossil fuels.

    Sembcorp will build and operate production facilities that harness renewable energy to power the processes required for green ammonia production thereby ensuring the process is carbon-neutral.

    With the agreement's backing, India will be transformed into a hub for sustainable green ammonia production, helping the country tap into its renewable energy potential while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
     
  2. Kyushu Electric Power: Integrating Green Ammonia into Japan’s Energy Mix
     
    • Kyushu Electric Power Systems is a major utility provider in Japan which will utilize the green ammonia supplied by India in its energy systems. The industry will utilize green ammonia by mixing it with coal or using it as a substitute in thermal power plants operated by Kyushu Electric Power.
    • By using this, the utility can gradually reduce its dependence on coal, a high-emission fuel, while lowering overall greenhouse gas emissions.
    • The energy transition goal of Japan is to replace conventional fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives, and this agreement is in line with the goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
       
  3. Sojitz Corporation: acting as the business intermediary:

    Sojitz Corporation is a global trading and investment company that will be acting as a link between the ammonia producer (Sembcorp) and end-user (Kyushu Electric Power)

    Sojitz will handle the business arrangements that are required to ensure a smooth flow of green ammonia such as negotiating contracts and managing financial transactions while addressing logistical and operational challenges.

    The company will also ensure that the ammonia meets the required quality and regulatory standards. This intermediary role ensures a seamless supply chain between India and Japan, fostering trust and operational efficiency.
     
  4. NYK line: Managing maritime transportation:

    NYK line is one of Japan’s leading shipping companies that will oversee the transportation of green ammonia from the production sites in India to the energy facilities in Japan.

    Green ammonia being in the gas or liquid state at extremely low temperatures required specialized ships with appropriate storage and safety mechanisms while transporting. NYK line will ensure safe and efficient maritime transport that includes loading, shipping and unloading at Japanese ports.

    The component is critical to the supply chain thereby enabling the export of India’s green ammonia to Japan without disruptions.

Significance of this agreement:

The agreement has put everything's roles and responsibilities in their respective places. The responsibilities are divided effectively with each entity focusing on its area of expertise: production, integration, facilitation, and transportation.

The partnership also helps both the countries meet their sustainable development goals which are India through renewable energy production and Japan through decarbonizing its energy mix.

The partnership also strengthens the supply chain through well-defined roles that ensure that all aspects of the green ammonia lifecycle, from production to consumption are addressed.

What does the agreement entail?

During the announcement, Pralhad Joshi, India’s minister of New and renewable energy, highlighted the importance of the agreement, describing it as a historic milestone in green energy collaboration between India and Japan.

He emphasized that the partnership would create a strong supply chain for green ammonia, from production in India to its use in Japan, and serve as a foundation for more such collaborations in the future.

Joshi also revealed that India is accelerating its green ammonia production efforts, with an active tender for 7.5 lakh tonnes per annum (TPA) and additional tenders for 4.5 lakh TPA. This initiative is part of India’s larger goal to incentivize the production of over 1 million TPA of green hydrogen, showcasing the country’s determination to expand its green energy sector rapidly.

The minister further stressed the enduring cultural and collaborative ties between India, Japan, and Singapore, especially in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. He expressed optimism that the agreement was just the beginning envisioning even bigger and more impactful initiatives in the future.

This partnership not only strengthens India’s global position in the green energy sector but also highlights the Indian government’s unwavering commitment to promoting green hydrogen and renewable energy projects.

Final thoughts:

The India-Japan agreement for green ammonia is beyond just a trade deal. It is a testament to the potential of international partnerships in combating climate change. With companies like Sembcorp, Sojitz, Kyushu Electric Power, and NYK driving the initiative, the agreement highlights the role of technology and collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. As our nation accelerates its green energy production with large-scale tenders and incentives, this agreement marks the beginning of even greater endeavours in the renewable energy sector. It highlights India’s growing influence on the global green energy stage and sets a precedent for future partnerships aimed at fostering a cleaner and greener world.


 

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