ACME Group, a leading cleantech solutions provider in India, and IHI Corporation, Japan’s integrated heavy industry group, are jointly developing India’s largest green ammonia project in Gopalpur, Odisha, following the signing of their initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2023.
The facility is planned to produce approximately 0.4 million tonnes of green ammonia annually upon completion.
The project has reached significant milestones, including the establishment of a joint venture partnership and IHI Corp acquiring a 30% stake in ACME Clean Energy—the project company developing this initiative—with ACME Group retaining the remaining 70%. Additionally, the necessary land for the project has been secured, and the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) successfully completed by a reputed global engineering firm.
ACME Group and IHI Corp. are now advancing detailed project development activities, including EPC contracting, renewable energy integration, and ammonia evacuation infrastructure arrangements.
The plant is targeted for commissioning by 2029-30, with production earmarked for exports mainly to Japan.
This collaboration between ACME Group and IHI Corporation is key in advancing the vision of the India–Japan Clean Energy Partnership. At the 15th Japan–India Annual Summit held in Tokyo on 29–30 August 2025, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan’s then Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba adopted a Joint Declaration of Intent on Clean Hydrogen and Ammonia as part of the bilateral Clean Energy Partnership. The ACME–IHI collaboration directly supports this shared vision by creating a large-scale supply chain for Green Ammonia between India and Japan.
“India and Japan share a longstanding relationship rooted in cultural, spiritual, and economic ties. Both countries have developed a strong trade partnership over the years, marked by increasing economic cooperation and mutual investment,” stated ACME Group. “The joint venture represents a concrete step in implementing the commitments, strengthening the India-Japan energy partnership and accelerating the global transition towards carbon neutrality by leveraging India’s renewable energy potential and Japan’s proven expertise in engineering, ammonia handling, and international energy markets.”
Under the joint venture arrangement, ACME and IHI will develop the green ammonia facility to serve a wide range of Japanese industries, including power generation and chemical manufacturing.
The project represents one of the largest foreign collaborations in India’s green hydrogen and ammonia sector. It will be financed through a mix of external debt, sourced from Japanese Export Credit Agencies (ECA), international financial institutions, and equity from the joint venture partners.
Manoj Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman of ACME Group, said, “Amidst the growing need for decarbonization, India and Japan face similar concerns around energy security and sustainability. Our joint venture is a milestone not only for ACME Group but for India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in green hydrogen and green ammonia. Odisha offers strategic advantages for energy and export opportunities. Together with IHI, we will build a future-ready ecosystem that strengthens energy security, generates employment, and contributes to the global fight against climate change.”
Hiroshi Ide, President and CEO of IHI Corp. added, “For IHI Corporation, green ammonia is key to achieving a net-zero world and ensuring a reliable, sustainable energy transition. Through this collaboration [with ACME], we aim to secure green ammonia fuel value chains that will benefit both India and Japan, while supporting global decarbonization goals.”
Odisha was chosen for its strategic location on India’s eastern seaboard, proximity to East Asia, established port infrastructure, government support, and ample land and water resources, making it an ideal hub for large-scale green ammonia exports. Once operational, the project will help mitigate over 0.8 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, while advancing India’s ambition to become a global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
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