Boost for green energy: India's Rs 400 crore plan for green hydrogen unveiled

The new and renewable energy ministry unveiled the R&D roadmap for the national green hydrogen mission, committing Rs 400 crore towards developing a research ecosystem that can commercialize green hydrogen.

The roadmap emphasizes the development of materials, technologies, and infrastructure that can enhance the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of green hydrogen production, storage, and transportation.

The announcement was made at an event organized by the ministry of new & renewable energy and the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited on the eve of World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day.

In a video message, Union minister for new and renewable energy R. K. Singh said, “On this World Hydrogen Day, let us reiterate our commitment to research, development and deployment of hydrogen solutions. Together, we can ensure that hydrogen becomes a cornerstone of a sustainable future for our Planet Earth.”

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasized the initial focus on "mission-mode projects which will yield results in 2–3 years," with the allocated R&D budget of Rs 400 crore.

New and renewable energy secretary Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, said that India has entered the green hydrogen space at the right time and that the country is poised to become one of the leaders in the green hydrogen sector.

He said that the R&D roadmap aims to leverage research to ensure that India is at the cutting edge of the sector in the world.

World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is recognized globally, underscoring hydrogen's potential as a clean energy source and fuel cells' versatile technology. The day serves as a testament to hydrogen's role in addressing climate change, energy security, and environmental sustainability challenges.