India's Green Ammonia Ambitions Bolstered by New Vopak Terminal in Pipavav

India's journey towards a sustainable energy future is gaining significant momentum with the announcement of a new brownfield ammonia terminal in Pipavav, Gujarat. Situated on India's west coast, this facility is a collaborative effort between Vopak India, a subsidiary of the Netherlands-headquartered Royal Vopak, and Aegis Vopak Terminals Ltd (AVTL).

The terminal, envisioned as an independent, third-party storage facility, will boast an approximate capacity of 36,000 metric tons. With an investment of approximately €53 million (INR 5.3 billion) fully funded by AVTL, the project is slated for commissioning by the end of 2026. Upon completion, it will play a crucial role in facilitating ammonia imports, primarily serving India's burgeoning fertilizer market. Beyond this initial function, the partners aim to explore ammonia's potential as a vital carrier for hydrogen, recognizing this environmentally friendly fuel as a cornerstone of their energy transition strategies and a broader national imperative.

Officials from AVTL have emphasized the terminal's capacity to also support green ammonia exports, thereby accelerating India's shift towards cleaner energy sources and more sustainable infrastructure. This dual capability is particularly significant as India, while one of the world's largest ammonia producers, is still in the early, experimental phases of integrating sustainable fuels into its decarbonization efforts.

The successful operation of such a facility, handling a volatile substance like ammonia, relies heavily on a robust and meticulously designed electrical and control system. This is where cables play a pivotal role. From power transmission to data communication, specialized cables are indispensable for ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability within the terminal.

For instance, power cables are essential for delivering electricity to pumps, compressors, and various processing units. In an industrial environment, these typically include medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) cables. MV cables, often insulated with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for superior dielectric strength and thermal stability, transmit power from the grid to the main distribution boards. LV cables, on the other hand, distribute power to individual pieces of equipment. Given the corrosive nature of ammonia and the harsh coastal environment, the sheathing of these cables must be highly resistant to chemicals, UV radiation, and moisture, often employing materials like PVC or specialized flame-retardant, low-smoke, halogen-free (FR-LSHF) compounds to enhance safety in case of fire.

Furthermore, instrumentation and control cables are critical for monitoring and automating the terminal's operations. These multi-pair or multi-core cables transmit signals from sensors – such as pressure transmitters, temperature gauges, and level indicators – to control systems like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS). Shielding, often in the form of overall foil or braided screens, is crucial to protect these delicate signals from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which could disrupt critical processes or lead to erroneous readings. The integrity of these cables directly impacts the safety and efficiency of ammonia handling, requiring robust construction to withstand vibrations and mechanical stress.

Finally, communication cables, including fiber optic cables, are increasingly vital for high-speed data transfer between different sections of the terminal and for connectivity with remote monitoring centers. Fiber optics offer superior bandwidth and immunity to EMI, making them ideal for long-distance communication and for transmitting large volumes of data from advanced analytical systems. The choice of cable type and material depends on the specific application, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements, underscoring the complex engineering involved in constructing a modern ammonia terminal.

India's commitment to green energy is clearly articulated in government policy. In May 2023, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) released the "Harit Sagar Green Port" guide, setting ambitious goals for developing green ammonia, green methanol, and green hydrogen bunkering infrastructure. Under these guidelines, all major Indian ports are targeted to be equipped with green hydrogen refueling facilities by 2035, signaling a national pivot towards these sustainable fuels.

Recent initiatives further underscore this strategic direction. In March, a consortium of Japanese companies, including IHI Corporation, Hokkaido Electric Power, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Mizuho Bank, and Tokyo Century Corporation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore investment opportunities in a green ammonia production project under development in India. This site is projected to have an annual capacity of approximately 400,000 tons of green ammonia, intended for transport to Japan for domestic use. Adding to this momentum, in early June, India's hydrogen and ammonia developer Hygenco Green Energie commenced construction on a green ammonia plant in Gopalpur Industrial Park, Odisha. The first phase of this project is set to produce 600 tonnes per day (tpd) with commercial operations anticipated by 2027. The second phase aims to double this capacity by early 2028, with a projected final capacity of 1.1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) upon full completion.

The establishment of the Vopak terminal in Pipavav, alongside these other significant projects, firmly positions India as a key player in the global green ammonia landscape, fostering a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

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