A quiet revolution in deeptech is unfolding on the outskirts of Belagavi. Enerzi, a homegrown technology startup, is nearing the completion of a pilot plant that could redefine how India produces hydrogen and high-value carbon.
Founded by entrepreneur Prakash Mugali, Enerzi is preparing to switch on its first facility—a 20-tonne-per-annum (TPA) unit—by June. While Mugali describes this initial phase as “pilot scale,” the technology driving it has the potential to disrupt the global energy and materials markets.
The Technology: Microwave Plasma
At the core of Enerzi’s innovation is microwave plasma technology. Unlike traditional methods of hydrogen production, such as steam methane reforming (which releases high amounts of CO2) or water electrolysis (which requires massive amounts of electricity), Enerzi’s process uses microwave energy to create plasma.
This plasma breaks down feedstock—typically methane or natural gas—into two primary components:
- Hydrogen: A clean fuel essential for the decarbonization of heavy industries.
- Solid Carbon: Specifically high-grade carbon like graphene or carbon black, which is used in batteries, tires, and advanced electronics.
Because the carbon is captured in solid form rather than being released as CO2 gas, the process is considered “turquoise hydrogen” production—a bridge between blue and green hydrogen that offers a significantly lower carbon footprint.
From Pilot to Commercial Scale
The 20-TPA plant is only the beginning. Enerzi has laid out an aggressive roadmap for the next 12 months:
- Capacity Expansion: The company plans to raise its capacity tenfold by next year.
- Commercial Foundation: This expansion will serve as the blueprint for Enerzi’s first full-scale commercial plant.
- Market Positioning: By producing both hydrogen and high-value carbon simultaneously, Enerzi creates two distinct revenue streams, making the cost of clean hydrogen more competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
Enerzi’s progress marks a significant milestone for the Indian deeptech ecosystem. Historically, advanced plasma technologies have been the domain of well-funded laboratories in the US and Europe. By successfully scaling this technology in Belagavi, Enerzi is proving that Indian startups can lead in capital-intensive, high-science sectors.
As India pushes toward its National Green Hydrogen Mission goals, localized innovations like Enerzi’s microwave plasma system could provide the modular, scalable solutions needed to transition the country’s industrial sector to net-zero.
With the “switch-on” date set for June, all eyes are on Belagavi to see if this pilot can spark a new era for Indian clean energy.
