AP to lay foundation stone for green ammonia plant on March 18

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh is set to mark a major milestone in its clean energy journey, with the foundation stone for a massive green ammonia plant scheduled to be laid on March 18 at Mulapeta in Srikakulam district by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The proposed facility, with a production capacity of 5 lakh metric tonnes per annum (MTPA), is expected to play a key role in positioning the state as a global green energy hub.The announcement was made following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between SRM University-AP and JK Srivastava Henfra PSA Limited, an Indo-Polish joint venture, in Vijayawada on Tuesday. The MoU aims to establish a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen Technologies, aligned with the state's vision of developing a "green hydrogen valley". Speaking on the occasion, Prof D Narayana Rao, executive director (research) at SRM University–AP, said the university would play a crucial role in developing indigenous, low-cost electrolysers, advanced hydrogen storage solutions, and refuelling infrastructure for hydrogen-powered aviation. He added that the government already allotted 282 acres of land for the green ammonia plant at Mulapeta.SRM University-AP vice-chancellor Dr G Satish Kumar highlighted that the MoU would focus on creating an industry-ready workforce through specialised training in hydrogen technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, reducing dependence on foreign expertise.JK Srivastava, founder and chairman of JK Srivastava Henfra, said the project would help Andhra Pradesh emerge as a global hydrogen hub, with the CM targeting the first export of green ammonia to Europe by Aug 15, 2028.Meanwhile, NEDCAP VC and MD M Kamalakar Babu underlined the state's integrated clean energy policy, which aims to attract ₹7.5 lakh crore of investments, generate 10 lakh jobs, and offer incentives such as a 25 percent capital subsidy for green energy projects by 2029-30.