India’s Green Hydrogen Push: Powering the Future of Clean Energy
Photo: Emrah Tolu / Pexels
With the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India aims to redefine its energy strategy to become a global clean energy leader by 2030.
The National Green Hydrogen mission has brought India to a turning point in the history of global energy. Launched in 2023, this mission is so much more than merely being a revolution in energy history; it is rethinking India’s economic and strategic role in the entire world. Besides being a successful policy initiative, this mission reflects India’s goal of becoming a clean energy superpower while simultaneously tackling the pressing issues of climate change and energy security.
The Green Hydrogen Mission reflects India’s goal of becoming a clean energy superpower while simultaneously tackling the pressing issues of climate change and energy security.
With a significant budget of about ₹19,744 crore, (approximately €2.2 billion) this mission lays out revolutionary goals that will change the energy landscape of India by 2030. With the help of about 125 GW of renewable energy capacity, it seeks to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes annually. These figures are more than just statistics. They reflect India’s resolve to take around 10% of the world market for green hydrogen, which is expected to reach over 100 million metric tonnes by the year 2030.
Strategies and phased implementation
The National Green Hydrogen Mission has been designed with a clear, strategic phased approach to ensure orderly growth and deep-rooted capability building in the sector. In the first phase, which spans from 2022 to 2026, the focus is on creating robust market demand for green hydrogen while simultaneously building up domestic manufacturing capacity for electrolysers which are the critical equipment that uses renewable power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This dual-track strategy is meant to stimulate both the supply and demand sides of the green hydrogen ecosystem in India, rather than letting either lag behind.
The mission exhibits strategic thinking through its distinguished phased approach. This approach is in line with the “Made in India” initiative, which guarantees that India will become a global manufacturer and innovator of green hydrogen technology and not just another consumer.
With around 19 companies receiving 862,000 tonnes of production capacity annually and 15 companies receiving 3,000 MW of electrolyser manufacturing capacity, notable progress has already been made.
Plethora of economic opportunities
India’s green hydrogen mission is about more than just fuelling the future, it’s about powering the economy too. With projected investments topping ₹8 lakh crore and an estimated 600,000 jobs by 2030, the initiative promises more than just clean energy. From building electrolysers and fuel cells to running hydrogen plants and the infrastructure around them, it’s a full value-chain revolution in the making.
From the perspective of energy security, green hydrogen offers India unprecedented opportunities. The country currently imports over 80% of its oil needs and 50% of its natural gas, not only making it vulnerable to geopolitical tensions but also to price fluctuations and a subsequently dependent economy as well. Production of green hydrogen provides an unparalleled, domestically controlled alternative to these imports.
India’s bid for green leadership
India’s bold climate pledges made at COP26 coincide precisely with its green hydrogen objective. Green hydrogen is positioned as a key enabler of Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to attain net-zero emissions by 2070, along with interim targets such as 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The potential for decarbonisation is significant.
By 2030, the mission is predicted to cut yearly greenhouse gas emissions by almost 50 million metric tonnes. The main source of this decrease is the substitution of hydrogen derived from fossil fuels in industries that are difficult to electrify, like fertilisers, steel and cement.
India’s bold climate pledges made at COP26 coincide precisely with its green hydrogen objective.
India’s technological edge in the field of green hydrogen is ensured by the mission’s emphasis on research and development too. With 23 specific R&D projects approved under the mission and more than 100 more being evaluated, the mission has supported more than 200 R&D projects in the fields of renewable energy, fuel cells, hydrogen and even storage technologies. India’s dedication to quality and safety is exemplified by the adoption of more than 88 hydrogen standards.
Road to self-reliance
Production-linked incentives are offered for the – green hydrogen production and electrolyser manufacturing under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program. This strategy reduces reliance on imported technologies and generates high-value manufacturing jobs by ensuring that India builds full domestic capabilities across the green hydrogen value chain.
The green hydrogen mission is a key component of the energy independence vision as India nears its centenary of Independence in 2047. Green hydrogen changes India from an energy importer to an energy exporter by establishing domestic production capabilities and lowering the reliance on imports and successfully generating export opportunities.
The mission’s alignment with broader national initiatives like green transportation, also demonstrates integrated planning for sustainable development. Green hydrogen development will undoubtedly support broader economic and environmental objectives rather than operating independently if a comprehensive approach is adopted.
Green hydrogen changes India from an energy importer to an energy exporter by establishing domestic production capabilities and lowering the reliance on imports and successfully generating export opportunities.
Thus, with strategic investment and comprehensive policy support, India is leading the green hydrogen revolution. In addition to transforming India’s energy sector, this mission will establish India as a crucial partner in the global transition to clean energy, enhancing its reputation as a responsible and capable global force ready to impact the planet’s sustainable future.
