TKIL Industries Pvt Ltd (formerly known as thyssenkrupp Industries India Pvt Ltd) recently forayed into the green hydrogen sector in partnership with Swiss deep-tech company SoHHytec SA. We have, in this exclusive interaction, Suresh Agasti, Head — Green Hydrogen, TKIL Industries Ltd, telling us more on this strategic diversification and how this move aligns with TKIL’s commitment to clean technologies. The challenges notwithstanding, Agasti is confident that TKIL, by bringing SoHHytec’s innovative green hydrogen technology to India, can play an important role in helping the country reach its clean energy goals.
Let us begin by understanding TKIL’s broad rationale for entering the green hydrogen space.
At TKIL, we see green hydrogen as a cornerstone of the global energy transition. With India targeting net-zero emissions by 2070 and with the launch of National Green Hydrogen Mission, the timing was ideal. TKIL’s legacy in engineering-intensive sectors like cement, energy, and heavy industry gives us a unique advantage to contribute meaningfully. Our entry into green hydrogen aligns with our commitment to clean technologies, circular economy, and strategic diversification into sustainable solutions.
Tell us about your partnership with SoHHytec for green hydrogen technology. Is this partnership exclusive?
Our partnership with SoHHytec SA is both strategic and exclusive for the Indian market. SoHHytec is a Swiss deep-tech innovator specializing in artificial photosynthesis-based hydrogen production using concentrated solar energy. Through this tie-up, TKIL has secured exclusive rights to manufacture and deploy this technology in India. We believe their scalable, modular systems can deliver among the world’s lowest Levelized Costs of Hydrogen (LCOH), and together, we aim to commercialize this solution across India’s industrial landscape.
As we understand TKIL, through the SoHHytec partnership will create a localized green hydrogen supply chain. What are the various elements of the supply chain that TKIL aspires to create?
Indeed, localizing the green hydrogen supply chain is a top priority. TKIL is working to indigenize key components like:
- Solar concentrator systems
- Hydrogen storage solutions
- Balance-of-plant components
- Control and automation systems
We are also investing in capability development for EPC execution and lifecycle O&M support. The goal is to reduce dependence on imports, promote ‘Make in India’, and create a resilient ecosystem for green hydrogen in the country.
We note with interest that TKIL will be using solar technology with the hydrogen electrolyzer. Please elaborate.
Yes, our integrated model combines solar energy—particularly concentrated solar thermal—with electrolyzers in a closed-loop system. The technology developed by SoHHytec captures and utilizes both the thermal and electrical outputs from solar radiation. This hybrid utilization boosts overall efficiency and makes the process economically competitive. In sun-rich regions like India, this model is a perfect fit to drive down green hydrogen production costs sustainably.
What is the investment envisaged by TKIL in its green hydrogen initiatives, and when is commercial activity likely to begin?
We are in the early investment phase, with a plan to scale in a phased manner. Initial investments are being deployed for pilot projects, infrastructure setup, and local manufacturing partnerships. Over the next 3–5 years, we foresee investments exceeding Rs.100 crore depending on market uptake and policy incentives. Our first commercial deployments are expected to go live by early 2026, with pilot installations planned within the next 12–18 months.
Speaking of industry-related issues, how is the Indian government – largely through the National Green Hydrogen Mission – encouraging domestic supply chain of green hydrogen. What more could be done to increase localization?
The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a bold and much-needed step. It provides capital support, mandates for public procurement, and incentives for electrolyzer manufacturing. However, localization can be accelerated by:
- Clearer long-term offtake guarantees
- Harmonized safety and quality standards
- Lower GST on green hydrogen components
- Support for MSMEs to enter the green hydrogen value chain
- Accelerated approvals for pilot projects
A focused hydrogen R&D policy and test beds would also help fast-track innovation and reduce costs.
For India, hydrogen production is not new given that technology is established for “blue” and “grey” hydrogen. What are the key challenges when it comes to “green” hydrogen, per se?
Green hydrogen faces distinct challenges:
- High initial capital costs for electrolyzers and renewables
- Intermittent power supply affecting plant load factors
- Storage and transport complexities
- Limited demand aggregation and offtake guarantees
Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, green hydrogen demands alignment across the power and industrial sectors. Technology localization and stable policy signals will be critical to overcome these challenges.
What challenges do you anticipate on transportation of green hydrogen?
Hydrogen, being the smallest and lightest molecule, is not easy to store or transport. Its low volumetric energy density requires high compression, liquefaction, or chemical conversion—each with its own challenges and costs. For India, we must prioritize:
- On-site or near-site production
- Pipeline infrastructure development
- Hydrogen hubs or clusters
Long-term, we also need innovations in hydrogen carriers like ammonia or LOHCs (liquid organic hydrogen carriers) for safer, cost-effective transportation.
Which industry segments in India are most likely to be the early adopters of green hydrogen? Do you see India experimenting with hydrogen as an automotive fuel?
Early adopters will likely be refineries, fertilizer manufacturers, and steel producers, where hydrogen is already in use and switching to green hydrogen is relatively seamless. Over time, cement, glass, and chemical sectors will follow.
On mobility, India is cautiously exploring hydrogen — particularly for heavy-duty and long-haul transportation — where battery electrics may fall short. Pilots for hydrogen buses, trucks, and trains are promising, but widespread adoption needs refuelling infrastructure and cost parity.
Some industry observers point out that green hydrogen though a clean fuel, might not be a cost-effective alternative? What is your take on the matter?
That’s a valid concern—for now. But like solar power 10 years ago, green hydrogen costs are falling steadily. With innovations in electrolysis, economies of scale, and falling renewable energy prices, we expect the cost gap to narrow sharply. TKIL’s partnership with SoHHytec is precisely aimed at reducing Levelized Cost of Hydrogen to competitive levels.
Moreover, when you account for carbon taxes, compliance costs and the climate imperative, green hydrogen becomes not just viable, but essential.
How do you see the road ahead for TKIL with respect to the green hydrogen business? What are the key milestones that you would like to see TKIL crossing in the next, say, three-five years?
Our vision is to be one of the leading green hydrogen solution providers in India. In the next 3–5 years, we aim to:
- Successfully deploy pilot projects in 2–3 industrial hubs
- Establish a localized manufacturing facility for SoHHytec’s systems
- Build partnerships with OMCs, steel companies, and infrastructure providers
- Launch commercially viable hydrogen projects by 2025/26
- Expand our offering to include hydrogen storage and green mobility infrastructure
- Collaborate green funding programs to offer hydrogen as service in future
Green hydrogen is a long game—but TKIL is committed to playing a leadership role in shaping its future in India.
