<p data-path-to-node="1">Moving ahead with its target to become a carbon-neutral maritime hub, the V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority hosted a high-level delegation led by Shri Rajesh Kulhari, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), along with senior officials from the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE).</p><p data-path-to-node="2">The delegation was warmly received by VOC Port Authority Chairperson Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, and Deputy Chairperson Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS.</p><p data-path-to-node="3">During the visit, the port leadership highlighted the ongoing green transition projects aligned with India’s <i data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="109">Harit Sagar</i> Green Port Guidelines and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision. The Joint Secretary was briefed on the port's multi-layered renewable ecosystem, which integrates solar energy, high-capacity wind installations, and its expanding carbon reduction framework.</p><h4 data-path-to-node="4"><b data-path-to-node="4" data-index-in-node="0">Key Clean Energy Highlights Presented:</b></h4><ul data-path-to-node="5"><li><p data-path-to-node="5,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="5,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">Expanding Green Infrastructure:</b> The port currently operates a strong renewable energy portfolio featuring a 5 MW ground-based solar plant, a 2 MW wind turbine, and over 1 MW in rooftop solar systems. Additional expansions underway include a 1 MW ground-based solar facility and a 6 MW wind farm.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="5,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="5,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">First-of-its-Kind Carbon Credit Initiative:</b> The port management shared details of its landmark initiative to generate carbon credits from its 12.4 MW green power portfolio, positioning it as an early adopter capable of converting environmental sustainability into reinvestable revenue for future projects like green hydrogen bunkering.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="5,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="5,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">On-Site Green Hydrogen Pilot:</b> The ministry officials reviewed the development of the port's green hydrogen fueling stations and infrastructure layout, created in collaboration with NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) to trial clean logistics and internal combustion engine heavy trucks.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="5,3,0"><b data-path-to-node="5,3,0" data-index-in-node="0">Net-Zero Building Milestones:</b> The administration also highlighted its recent recognition as India's first Major Port to achieve the prestigious Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Rating alongside multiple <i data-path-to-node="5,3,0" data-index-in-node="216">Shunya Plus</i> (Net Positive Energy) building certifications from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).</p></li></ul><p data-path-to-node="6">The MNRE delegation commended the VOC Port Authority's localized efforts in clean power generation and maritime decarbonization, emphasizing that the execution serves as an optimal blueprint for other major coastal gateways aiming to balance commercial logistics with aggressive net-zero benchmarks.</p>