A joint vision for clean energy
The project is a joint venture between India’s Juno Joule Green Energy and Germany’s SET Select Energy GmbH. It will be located at the Mulapeta Port in Andhra Pradesh, currently under-construction and is expected to be operational by 2029. Once completed, the facility will produce 180,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, which will be converted into one million tonnes of green ammonia for export to Europe and Asia.
The hydrogen will be generated using electrolysis, powered entirely by renewable energy sources - solar, wind, and hydropower; ensuring compliance with the European Union’s Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) standards. A blockchain-based certification system will be implemented to ensure full traceability and sustainability of the hydrogen supply chain. For the Andhra Pradesh hub, this system will:
- Enable exports to the EU by demonstrating compliance with sustainability regulations.
- Enhance investor and buyer confidence through transparent, verifiable data.
- Streamline certification and reduce administrative overheads in cross-border transactions.
This approach reflects a broader trend in the hydrogen economy, where digital traceability is becoming essential for market access, especially in regions with strict environmental standards.
Strategic and regulatory significance
This initiative aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and Germany’s H2Global initiative. It also supports the EU’s REPowerEU strategy, which aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
For DWF clients, this development presents a range of legal and commercial opportunities:
- Cross-border regulatory compliance: The project must meet both Indian and EU standards for green hydrogen production, including environmental, safety, and traceability requirements.
- Infrastructure and energy law: Legal frameworks will be essential for the development of port infrastructure, desalination plants, and renewable energy integration.
- Trade and investment structuring: The project will involve complex joint venture agreements, long-term offtake contracts, and export logistics planning.
Location advantage and economic impact
Mulapeta Port offers strategic access to coastal wind power and is emerging as a green tech manufacturing hub. The project will include a dedicated pipeline to connect the hydrogen production facility to port infrastructure, enabling efficient large-scale exports. This infrastructure will not only support the hydrogen hub but also catalyse regional economic development and job creation.
The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Andhra Pradesh and contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production and export.
Legal and commercial opportunities
As the global energy landscape shifts toward decarbonisation, this project offers a blueprint for future international clean energy collaborations. DWF’s India Business Group is uniquely positioned to support clients in navigating the legal, regulatory, and commercial complexities of such ventures.
Key areas where DWF can add value include:
- Structuring green hydrogen investments and joint ventures.
- Advising on regulatory frameworks, ESG compliance, and certification standards.
- Facilitating cross-border trade and infrastructure development.
The India-Germany green hydrogen hub is more than a bilateral project - it is a strategic leap towards a future defined by a more sustainable global energy system. As legal advisors at the forefront of clean energy innovation, DWF is committed to supporting clients in capitalising on the opportunities presented by this transformative initiative.
DWF is a leading legal adviser to Indian and India-focussed companies, financial institutions and high net worth individuals and families. Our India Group, consisting of 104 lawyers from 9 countries, 16 practice areas and 9 sector groups, is the largest India group of any international law firm located outside India.
Dhruv Chhatralia BEM, the Head of the DWF India Group, was named to the India Business Law Journal’s International A-List 2024 featuring the world’s top-tier international lawyers outside India, based on recommendations by general counsels and lawyers at Indian law firms, for his work on cross-border aspects of India-related matters. DWF was also shortlisted for the award of “Legal Practice of the Year” at the 6th Annual UK-India Awards in 2024 based on the achievements of the DWF India Group. Further details about the DWF India Group can be found on the following webpage: https://dwfgroup.com/en/services/india-group.
While we do not practice Indian law as per the country’s current regulatory framework, we have strong relationships with leading Indian law firms with whom we collaborate to provide a seamless service to our clients. If you have queries on any of the issues covered in this article, please do get in touch
With thanks to Amandeep Kaur Sokhi for her contributions to this article.
