STL Leads the Way with Green Hydrogen in Optical Fibre Manufacturing!

Sterlite Technologies Ltd (STL), a global innovator in optical and digital network solutions, has set a new industry benchmark by becoming one of the first optical fibre manufacturers in the world to integrate 100% green hydrogen into its production process. In collaboration with Hygenco, STL has established Maharashtra’s first green hydrogen and oxygen production facility dedicated to optical fibre manufacturing at its glass preform plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

This pioneering move represents a substantial stride towards sustainable industrial operations. Hygenco will design, build, own, and operate the green hydrogen unit under a 20-year partnership agreement, ensuring long-term operational support and a reliable supply of clean energy for STL’s processes.

At the heart of STL’s innovation is its Industry 4.0-compliant facility that produces semiconductor-grade glass preforms—the foundational element for optical fibres. In this process, hydrogen and oxygen are key inputs for high-temperature blast furnaces that transform silica into glass. By replacing conventional fuels with green hydrogen, STL is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 30% annually, marking a decisive step in its journey towards Net Zero emissions by 2030.

Rahul Puri, CEO of STL’s Optical Networking business, highlighted the initiative’s long-term impact on both the company and the environment. He remarked that incorporating green hydrogen reflects STL’s commitment to climate-conscious innovation and reinforces its role as a sustainability leader in the telecom infrastructure space.

Amit Bansal, CEO of Hygenco, also emphasized the larger implications of the project, calling it a milestone in industrial decarbonization. He noted that this partnership showcases how green hydrogen can be deployed at scale in energy-intensive sectors, supporting India’s broader goals of a cleaner energy economy.

In addition to its green energy upgrade, the plant is equipped with automated energy management systems, real-time monitoring, and advanced safety protocols, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and reliability.

With this strategic initiative, STL not only reinforces its leadership in next-gen network infrastructure but also sets an inspiring example of how cutting-edge manufacturing and sustainability can go hand in hand. This bold move aligns with global trends driving clean energy adoption in critical sectors like 5G, FTTx, rural broadband, and data center networks—segments where STL continues to deliver end-to-end solutions across the globe.