Indian chemical company meets increased demand for refrigerants by building a $14 million gas production plant

In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, Hygenco Green Energies has inaugurated a green ammonia plant in Odisha, India. This venture aligns with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, a comprehensive plan aimed at producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per annum by 2030.

The green ammonia plant, situated in the Gopalpur Industrial Park, is designed to produce 1.1 million tonnes of green ammonia annually upon full commissioning. It's noteworthy that this project is backed by an associated renewable energy capacity of about 125 GW.

Meanwhile, Stallion India Fluorochemicals (SIFL) has announced plans to establish a refrigerant gas facility in Rajasthan. The initial production at this facility will be R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant. SIFL also aims to produce several other blends commonly used in cooling and refrigeration. The project, estimated to cost ₹120 crore ($13.7m), is expected to begin production in 2026.

The new facility in Rajasthan is part of SIFL's efforts to ensure a stable gas supply. Bhilwara, the chosen location for the plant, offers a solid foundation due to its established trade routes to major cities, making it an ideal hub for refrigerant distribution.

India's refrigerant production is projected to reach 75,000 tonnes by 2028, a significant increase from the 24,300 tonnes produced in 2018. Despite being a producer, India still relies on imports to meet its refrigerant needs, especially for specialised or high-GWP refrigerants.

In another development, INOX Air Products has launched its largest air separation unit at the Steel Authority of India's Bokaro facility. The facility will produce 2,000 tonnes of gaseous oxygen, 150 tonnes of liquid oxygen, 1,200 tonnes of gaseous nitrogen, and 100 tonnes of argon.

The India Cooling Action Plan is encouraging the adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants, such as HFC/HFO blends and natural refrigerants like propane and carbon dioxide. This shift towards greener refrigerants is a positive step towards reducing India's carbon footprint in the cooling sector.

As these new projects come online, it's clear that India is committed to a greener, more sustainable future, not just in energy production but also in cooling technologies.