UP well-positioned to emerge asgreen hydrogen prodn hub: CM

Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that green hydrogen represents the "energy of the future" and will play a decisive role in protecting biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, and improving human health.

"With abundant water resources, UP is well-positioned to emerge as a hub for green hydrogen production ," the CM said.

Inaugurating Uttar Pradesh's first and the country's second green hydrogen plant at Khanimpur in Gorakhpur, set up by Torrent Gas and Torrent Power, the CM underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of achieving net zero emissions had set the agenda for sustainable growth.

"If we wish to save humanity and civilization, we must minimize carbon emissions. Green energy will be crucial not just for the environment but also for reducing diseases caused by pollution," he said.

The Gorakhpur facility will blend green hydrogen with CNG and PNG for domestic and industrial use.

The CM cited examples of successful green initiatives such as LED streetlights, which have drastically reduced power consumption and carbon emissions. Stressing on affordability, he said, "Like mobile phones, which were once costly but became accessible to all, green hydrogen will also become cheaper in future."

Highlighting broader environmental concerns, the CM said, "Unchecked exploitation of nature, excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and deforestation have led to climate change, irregular rainfall, and rising health problems such as cancer and liver ailments. Greater adoption of natural farming and green energy is required to ensure a sustainable future."

Lauding Torrent Group, he said the company has been instrumental in expanding CNG and PNG networks in UP and had brought the state at the forefront of hydrogen-based energy.

Torrent Group director Jinal Mehta said, "UP has offered a red carpet, not red tape to investors under CM Yogi."

MP Ravi Kishan termed the project a "game-changer" that would script a new energy revolution in Gorakhpur. MLA Pradeep Shukla said such projects were steering UP towards becoming a developed state by 2047.

The CM also planted a Rudraksha sapling at the site.