The war to reduce carbon emissions in the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) sector has always been challenging. It is evident that the essential raw materials used in the construction industry- cement and steel contribute massive proportions to the world’s total carbon emissions along with other pollutants and yet they are crucial for developing a country’s infrastructure, be it residential complexes, commercial buildings or public infrastructure. However, recent innovations in the realm of green hydrogen and specifically the mass interest in the production of green steel made using green hydrogen fuel, have brought new hope to the possibility of ‘green’ construction in India.
Hydrogen Power is Reliable in Construction Sites.
Hydrogen power can be used as a reliable source to power construction sites. In addition, it can outrace other weather-dependent green energy sources like wind and solar as hydrogen can be delivered and made available like conventional fuel. Furthermore, the use of hydrogen power is more sustainable than fossil fuels. It produces power through combustion technology or fuel cells with zero carbon emissions, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxide. So, it helps investors and developers achieve zero carbon emissions that are a target for nations trying to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) by 2030. Finally, hydrogen has a high energy density, making it more appealing than other storage technologies, such as batteries.
Realizing zero emission targets through green hydrogen alternatives needs a strong political will.
Necessity is driving innovation and the green hydrogen landscape is changing rapidly. The cost required to harness hydrogen power is approximately three to five times that of diesel energy. However, the cost of hydrogen power can be reduced substantially with the increase in the manufacturing capacity of hydrogen, in combination with the introduction of maturing renewable power generation technologies and capacities. In addition, the country’s zero-emission targets could compel the construction industry to move toward green energy options like hydrogen power. Moreover, government bodies should encourage the use of such green energy sources by offering subsidies to the project developers. At the same time, these bodies should scrap the diesel fuel subsidies.
India’s Green Building market is projected to reach US$ 30-40 Billion by 2030 as per the industry’s estimates and will create an investment opportunity of $1.4T, as estimated by International Finance Corporation (IFC). Seeing this huge economic opportunity, numerous start-ups are working towards reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint and fostering sustainability by providing green solutions. Therefore, there is a humongous opportunity for innovators to build technologies in this emerging industrial sector and to make green construction a new norm and a new standard in this industry. To conclude, sustainable construction practices involving green hydrogen are not mere choices but imperatives for the responsible growth of the country’s urban infrastructure sector.
Renaatus Projects Private Ltd is working tirelessly to meet the country’s growing infrastructure demand. Over the years, Renaatus is committed to environmental stewardship and employ a range of pollution control measures. From the utilization of eco-friendly equipment to the implementation of best practices, it has been Renaatus’ constant endeavour to leave minimal footprints on Planet Earth. As a company committed to the adherence to government guidelines on net-zero discharge and practices such as rainwater collection, Renaatus ensures efficient utilization of resources and minimizes strain on the environment.
About the Blog Author
Manoj Poosappan
Managing Director of Renaatus Project Private Limited.
He strategizes on formulation of business plans for growth in India as well as emerging global markets, extending the 55-year-old Renaatus Group’s global footprint. In his last decade with the Group, he is credited for significantly expanding the traditional, core businesses and for successfully ushering the group into new businesses such as Engineering and Infrastructure Development across the Indo- Pacific region. He mentors an empowers the leadership team to confront new challenges with smart solutions, to be consistent in delivering reliability and trust to all stakeholders, ensuring the Renaatus Projects Private Limited is future ready with a clear vision and plans for long-term value creation.