Energy secretary reviews VOC Port green initiatives

Tuticorin: Santosh Kumar Sarangi, secretary, ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), visited VO Chidambaranar Port Authority on Thursday and reviewed the progress of renewable energy and green infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the port.During the visit, VOC Port exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bureau Veritas (India) Pvt. Ltd. to collaborate on green port certification, emissions accounting, ESG reporting, safety validation, development of green bunkering practices, and establishment of a Centre of Excellence for green fuels and sustainability.The port also exchanged a MoU with AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited for collaboration in the development of a green ammonia production plant with a capacity of one million tonnes per annum (MTPA) at Tuticorin. The project is expected to support the development of green fuel corridors connecting VOC Port with major ports in Europe and Asia, strengthening India’s position in the global green fuels value chain.The secretary reviewed the port’s key renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, including the pilot green hydrogen plant, EV charging station and the ongoing 9 MW wind power project and the upcoming green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility at the port.The secretary also visited the port’s operational areas and the digital twin facility where a live demonstration showcased how the technology created a virtual model of the entire port for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smarter decision-making.Speaking on the occasion, Sarangi stated that the green initiatives undertaken by VOC Port, particularly in solar and wind energy, as well as green hydrogen & methanol manufacturing and bunkering, have emerged as a model for green transition not only in India but also globally.