Fueling Tomorrow: India’s Bet on Green Hydrogen

SYNOPSIS

India is betting on green hydrogen to revolutionize its energy future, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. Through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the country is scaling production, leveraging renewable energy, and fostering innovation. This strategic push promises to transform India’s energy landscape and lead the global green hydrogen race.

“From carbon-heavy to carbon-free, India’s green hydrogen gamble is reshaping its energy destiny.”

India is intensifying its clean energy ambitions, and green hydrogen is turning out to be a game-changer. Launched in 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Backed by 125 GW of renewable power capacity and ₹19,744 crore investment, the mission is aimed at hard-to-abate industry decarbonization, reduction in fossil fuel imports, and transforming India into a world green hydrogen hub.

Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis with the help of clean energy sources such as solar and wind, where water is separated into oxygen and hydrogen. While grey hydrogen releases carbon dioxide, green hydrogen is sustainable and clean. With high solar resource availability in India, a global climate and conducive conditions, and a rising renewable energy grid, the nation is in a position to set the bar at best prices and emerge as a low-cost producer.

The mission is in two strategic phases

• Phase I (2022–2026) involves establishing demand in industries such as fertilizers and refineries and backing domestic electrolyze production.

  
  

• Phase II (2026–2030) involves stepping up hydrogen applications in steel, shipping, and heavy transport through major infrastructure projects and pilot schemes. The government also intends to build regional hydrogen production clusters, backed by a national policy framework.

To propel this shift, the government has launched the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme with ₹17,490 crore assigned to facilitate hydrogen manufacturing and electrolyzed capacity. Concurrently, various Indian states are proactively engaging through policy regimes and land provisioning. Gujarat is likely to lead the charge, accounting for almost 60% of the country's supply in2030. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and other states have also made plans to invite private investment and set up green hydrogen clusters.

India is also establishing hydrogen hubs near major ports and setting up international ties with countries like Germany, Australia, and the UAE to share technology, research, and set up cooperation in trade. These are intended to create a competitive edge and develop international markets for Indian green hydrogen exports.

Before 2030, the mission is expected to achieve:

• Over ₹1 lakh crore per annum fossil fuel import savings• Creation of more than 600,000 green jobs

  
  

• Removal of nearly 50 million tonnes of carbon emissions• Improvement of energy security and industrial competitiveness• Development of a globally-recognized green hydrogen ecosystem

  
  

Conclusion: A Green Future Within Reach

India's green hydrogen mission is a visionary and ambitious plan towards clean energy leadership. With robust policy support, state-level coordination, global collaborations, and building private sector interest, India is not only decarbonising its economy but also laying the foundation for long-term energy self-sufficiency, industrialisation, and environmental conservation.

Sanskita Begari