India Commits Significant Investments in Green Hydrogen at 2024 World Hydrogen Summit

Picture Caption: Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla addressed the World Hydrogen Summit 2024. Source: pib.gov.in

Rotterdam, Netherlands – From May 13-15, the 2024 World Hydrogen Summit welcomed India’s robust participation with one of the largest pavilions at the event.

Organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the pavilion highlights India’s advances in green hydrogen technology and serves as a platform for engaging stakeholders in this emerging sector.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

Launched in January 2023, India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission is a landmark initiative with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore. It aims to achieve a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million tonnes by 2030.

The mission also includes scheme guidelines for utilizing green hydrogen in sectors such as steel, transportation, and shipping. In addition, the Department of Science and Technology has initiated Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters to promote innovation and bolster the green hydrogen ecosystem in India.

Union Power Minister RK Singh recently noted that 44% of India’s current energy needs are met by non-fossil sources, a figure expected to rise to 65% by 2030, exceeding the commitments made at the 2021 COP summit.

Keynote Address by Secretary Bhupinder Singh Bhalla

On May 15, 2024, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, addressed the World Hydrogen Summit, emphasizing India’s strategic vision in renewable energy and green hydrogen production.

“This holistic approach reflects the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building across the hydrogen value chain. Moreover, the Mission’s focus on piloting projects and advancing R&D underscores India’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for green hydrogen technologies, fostering the emergence of cutting-edge solutions and best practices,” said Bhalla.

Competitive Edge in Renewable Energy

The Secretary highlighted India’s affordability in renewable energy, making it an attractive destination for investments.

“With competitive pricing, India presents an attractive landscape for domestic and international investments in renewable energy projects, aligning with the nation’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources.”

Bhalla also pointed out India’s integrated grid infrastructure, which enhances grid stability and allows for efficient placement of renewable energy plants.

Skilled Workforce and Global Aspirations

India’s skilled engineers are crucial to the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. “With world-class expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, India offers a robust talent pool capable of executing projects with efficiency and precision,” stated Bhalla.

He also emphasized India’s ambition to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen, leveraging the nation’s capabilities to meet global production demands.

Substantial Progress and Future Goals

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission targets establishing a production capacity of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Substantial progress includes awarding tenders for 412,000 tonnes of green hydrogen production and 1,500 MW of electrolyser manufacturing capacity.

The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme, under the Mission, has allocated Rs 4,440 crore for electrolyser manufacturing and Rs 13,050 crore for green hydrogen production from FY26 to FY30. This initiative aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Mission is expected to contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy capacity, with an associated addition of about 125 GW, reducing fossil fuel import dependency by Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030. The targeted green hydrogen production is likely to avert 50 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

The government has also set standards for green hydrogen production, ensuring that the process uses renewable energy with non-biogenic carbon emissions not exceeding 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen.

India’s participation in the 2024 World Hydrogen Summit underscores its leadership and commitment to advancing green hydrogen technologies.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission and associated initiatives demonstrate India’s dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration, positioning the nation as a pivotal player in the global hydrogen economy and the broader transition to sustainable energy solutions.