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As Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, laid emphasis on India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production in his address on 78th Independence Day, India is poised to lead the global green energy movement. Amidst a worldwide push for sustainable energy and decarbonisation, India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is not just following the trend—it’s setting the stage for a transformative shift towards a cleaner, more resilient future.

Why Green Hydrogen?

Green Hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like solar and wind, making it a clean alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is produced from natural gas and emits significant CO2, green hydrogen is emission-free. It holds immense potential in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, such as steel, fertilisers, and transportation.

India’s Ambitious Targets

Launched in 2023, the NGHM aims to position India as a global leader in Green Hydrogen production, aiming to produce 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) by 2030. This mission aligns with India’s broader climate goals, including reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

To meet these targets, India plans to leverage its vast renewable energy resources. By 2030, the country aims to increase its non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity to 500 GW, with 125 GW dedicated to supporting Green Hydrogen production. This will reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuel imports, boost the country’s energy security, and create over 600,000 jobs​.

Key Projects and Investments

The Indian government has taken significant steps to support the Green Hydrogen ecosystem. The NGHM includes an initial outlay of ₹197.44 billion, with ₹₹174.9 billion allocated for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program. This program focuses on incentivising domestic production of Green Hydrogen and electrolysers, essential components in the hydrogen production process. Also, the 2024 Union Budget of India allocated ₹600 crore to the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), a 102% increase from the previous year’s budget of ₹297 crore.

During a pivotal bilateral meeting on US-India Civil Nuclear Commerce at Prithvi Bhavan, Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of India, highlighted India’s adherence towards the global climate goals. “The Green Hydrogen Mission is crucial for driving innovation in clean technologies and achieving global climate goals,” he stated.

Several pilot projects across various sectors, such as steel production and mobility, are underway. These projects are crucial for testing the viability of Green Hydrogen in various applications and will serve as a foundation for large-scale adoption in the coming years​.

Challenges and Way Ahead

Despite the promising outlook, the Green Hydrogen sector in India faces challenges, including high production costs and the need for significant infrastructure development. However, the government addresses these issues through supportive policies, such as waivers on interstate transmission charges for renewable energy used in hydrogen production and incentives for electrolyser manufacturing.

Also Read | India Launches National Green Hydrogen Mission R&D Roadmap on World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day

As technology advances and costs decrease, Green Hydrogen is expected to become more competitive with traditional energy sources. India’s strategic location, abundant renewable energy resources, and strong government support position the country to lead the global Green Hydrogen market in the coming decades.

In a nutshell, India’s Green Hydrogen mission represents a significant step towards a sustainable energy future. By focusing on innovation, strategic investments, and supportive policies, India is well on becoming a global hub for Green Hydrogen production and a key player in the fight against climate change.

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