August 28, 2024: In the bustling corridors of Hyderabad, India, two visionaries, Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, embarked on a journey that would not only reshape the landscape of renewable energy in India but also set a global precedent for green hydrogen and ammonia production.
Their brainchild, Greenko Group, initially founded to revolutionize India’s power sector, has now expanded into a transformative venture—AM Green. This startup, fueled by an unyielding passion for sustainability, is set to make waves on a global scale with its groundbreaking green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
The Genesis of Greenko Group: A Vision for Clean Energy
Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli, both seasoned entrepreneurs with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship, founded Greenko Group with a singular vision: to harness renewable energy to meet the growing power demands of India. They recognized early on that the future of energy lay not in fossil fuels, but in the untapped potential of clean, renewable resources.
Their journey began with small renewable energy projects, but their ambition soon led them to envision something much larger. Greenko quickly grew into one of India’s leading integrated renewable energy companies, with a diverse portfolio spanning solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Yet, Anil and Mahesh were not content with just meeting India’s energy needs; they aspired to make a global impact.
AM Green: A Bold New Chapter
By founding AM Green, a venture that aims to position India as a leader in the global green hydrogen and ammonia market. AM Green’s flagship project, a green ammonia plant in Kakinada, is set to be one of the largest of its kind in the world, with a production capacity of 1 million tons per annum by 2026, scaling up to 5 million tons by 2030.
This ambitious project is not just about numbers; it’s about pioneering a new frontier in energy production. The Kakinada facility will convert green hydrogen into ammonia, a crucial step in reducing carbon emissions in industries that are hard to decarbonize, such as shipping, fertilizers, and chemicals. The majority of the ammonia produced will be exported to Europe, where it will play a vital role in the continent’s green hydrogen strategy.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Driving Force Behind Success
Anil and Mahesh’s journey is a classic example to the power of entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership. Their ability to foresee global trends in energy and act on them has been a cornerstone of their success.
By partnering with international giants like John Cockerill for advanced electrolysers and securing long-term power purchase agreements with NTPC, they have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to navigate complex business landscapes and secure the resources necessary for large-scale innovation.
Their journey, however, has not been without challenges. The path to creating a green hydrogen ecosystem is fraught with technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles. Yet, Anil and Mahesh have shown resilience and adaptability, turning obstacles into opportunities.
Their single minded pursuit of innovation has led them to develop solutions for some of the most pressing issues in renewable energy, such as addressing the intermittency of solar and wind power through the integration of gigawatt-scale pump storage projects.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Anil and Mahesh’s work with AM Green is a powerful example of how startups can drive significant change on a global scale. Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond business; it’s a mission to leave a lasting positive impact on the world.
By 2030, AM Green aims to produce 5 million tons of green ammonia annually, a feat that will contribute significantly to the global effort to combat climate change.
Their story is one of bold vision, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to a cause greater than themselves. Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli are not just entrepreneurs; they are pioneers leading the charge towards a more sustainable and decarbonized future. Through their innovative approach and tenacity, they have turned a startup into a global leader in green energy, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The success of Anil and Mahesh is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Their journey highlights the importance of having a clear vision, staying resilient in the face of challenges, and continually innovating to stay ahead of the curve. They have shown that with the right mindset and a commitment to sustainability, startups can indeed change the world.
“The FID status achieved by our Kakinada plant underscores our commitment to providing carbon-free energy solutions globally while meeting the highest standards like EU RFNBO norms. This is a significant milestone for AM Green as it reinforces our position as a leading energy transition solutions platform helping to decarbonize industries like refineries, shipping, fertilizers, power generation, chemicals and others through low-cost green molecules and its derivatives.” Anil Chalamalasetty, Founder Greenko Group and AM Green
As AM Green continues to grow and achieve new milestones, it stands as a shining example of what is possible when visionary entrepreneurs take bold steps towards creating a better future.
The story of Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli is not just a startup success story; it’s a blueprint for driving global change through innovation and entrepreneurship.
