The Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit 2025, held on March 12th and 13th at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, Kochi, brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. The summit focused on green hydrogen, renewable energy advancements, and the path toward a carbon-neutral future, fostering critical discussions and collaborations essential for shaping India’s energy transition.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Narendra Nath Veluri, IFS, CEO, ANERT, who highlighted Kerala’s ambitious energy targets. He emphasized that the state is on a mission to achieve 3,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030 and 100% carbon neutrality by 2050, backed by progressive policies like the Green Hydrogen Policy and the Renewed Power Policy. “With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Kerala is paving the way for a greener future. Platforms like this summit play a crucial role in fostering industry-led innovation,” he stated.

Government Perspectives on Renewable Energy & Hydrogen

Kerala’s vision for a clean energy future was further elaborated by K.R. Jyothilal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Department, Government of Kerala. He underscored the importance of investing in people, economy, and innovation to drive the transition toward clean energy. “The world’s first solar- and hydrogen-powered airport at Cochin International Airport is a testament to Kerala’s leadership in clean energy initiatives,” he noted.

Adding to the conversation, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, IAS (Retd.), former Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), provided a broader perspective on India’s energy trajectory. He pointed out that India’s energy demand has doubled in the last 20 years and is expected to grow another 25% by 2030. Stressing the significance of hydrogen, he remarked, “Hydrogen is crucial in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, but land constraints for renewables require us to think innovatively—floating solar panels could be a game-changer.”

In line with these insights, Biju Prabhakar, IAS, CMD, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), shed light on the state’s evolving energy landscape. He acknowledged that while renewables currently meet only 28-30% of Kerala’s energy needs, the government is actively working on battery solutions to store excess solar energy produced during the daytime. Meanwhile, Pankaj Kumar, IAS, MD, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), highlighted the zero-emission advantage of green hydrogen, noting that it could serve as an energy storage solution for peak demand periods.

International Collaboration & Economic Perspectives

The summit also showcased insights from international dignitaries, highlighting global cooperation in the energy sector. Gerard Mestrallet, Special Envoy of the French President for the IMEC, spoke about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which he described as a flagship project under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. “France and India are strengthening their bilateral partnerships in clean energy, laying the foundation for a sustainable future,” he remarked.

Adding to the discussion, Frank Melloul, CEO of I24 News, Israel, emphasized the geopolitical significance of IMEC, stating, “This corridor is not just about energy; it’s about fostering stability, economic growth, and deeper collaboration between India and the Middle East.”

Strategic MoU Signings

The summit saw the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at advancing hydrogen-based technology and financing renewable projects. A landmark agreement was established between ANERT, BLUJ, BPCL, and CIAL to develop Hydrogen-Based Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, a pioneering step towards zero-emission aviation and hydrogen-driven air mobility. The event also witnessed an MoU between REC Ltd. and EMC Kerala to finance pumped storage projects, ensuring grid stability and effective utilization of renewable energy.

Launch of Net Zero India Magazine

A significant highlight of the summit was the official launch of Net Zero India, a groundbreaking magazine dedicated to India’s decarbonization journey, green hydrogen, and renewable energy innovations. Published by Elets Technomedia, Net Zero India aims to be the definitive guide for industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability enthusiasts by providing expert insights, policy updates, and industry trends shaping India’s net-zero vision. “This magazine will serve as a knowledge hub, bridging the gap between policy and industry action to drive meaningful change in the clean energy ecosystem,” said Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder & CEO, Elets Technomedia and  Editor-in-Chief, Net Zero India Magazine

Global Perspectives on Green Hydrogen & Renewables

Several international representatives shared their nations’ efforts in advancing green hydrogen and renewable energy. Anne Cremers, Deputy Consul General, Netherlands, emphasized the Netherlands’ commitment to green hydrogen, stating, “The world is looking at green hydrogen as a critical solution for sustainability, and the Netherlands is actively collaborating with India in this space.”

Reinforcing the importance of global investments, Shri NSK Umesh, IAS, District Collector, Ernakulam, welcomed businesses to Kerala, saying, “The state is open for investments, and we have streamlined regulatory processes to support the energy sector’s growth.” His sentiment was echoed by Shri K. Krishnankutty, Hon’ble Minister for Electricity, Kerala, who reiterated Kerala’s vision for energy self-reliance and expanded renewable energy adoption.

The summit also highlighted insights from Scott Matthies, MD, Saskatchewan India Office, Canadian High Commission, who discussed Canada’s grants, tax benefits, and incentives for Indian businesses investing in clean energy. Meanwhile, Sanjiva De Silva, Counsellor – Energy, Australian High Commission, elaborated on Australia-India clean energy collaborations, including the establishment of a solar training academy in Kerala. “We are not just fostering trade; we are building skills and capacity to accelerate India’s renewable energy transition,” he stated.

Representing the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, Dr. Anita Gupta provided a historical perspective on India’s energy transition from wood to coal, oil, gas, and now hydrogen. She highlighted that the Panchamrit commitments and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) will play a defining role in India’s sustainability roadmap.

From an industry perspective, Akira Komiya, Senior Staff, Hydrogen Business Development, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., spoke about the automotive industry’s shift toward hydrogen. “Honda envisions a future driven by Fuel Cell technology. Hydrogen will play a vital role not only in passenger vehicles but also in commercial transport and industrial applications. India is a key market for Honda’s hydrogen expansion,” he shared.

As inaugural session drew to a close, Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder & CEO, Elets Technomedia and  Editor-in-Chief, Net Zero India Magazine, delivered the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the power of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing in driving the clean energy transition. He highlighted the significance of bringing together global experts to deliberate on actionable strategies that will shape the future of renewable energy and green hydrogen.

The Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit 2025 emerged as a premier platform for fostering international collaborations, knowledge exchange, and strategic investments in the energy sector. With India aiming for energy independence by 2047 and Net Zero emissions by 2070, the discussions, partnerships, and policy insights shared during the event will play a crucial role in accelerating the country’s transition towards a greener, more resilient energy ecosystem.

Day 2 Highlights

The second day of the Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi featured thought-provoking discussions on the future of clean energy and India’s path towards sustainability. Industry leaders, policymakers, and experts deliberated on strategies to achieve energy security, decarbonization, and large-scale adoption of hydrogen and renewable energy.

The day began with an inspiring keynote address by Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., who underscored the urgent need to expand India’s energy generation capacity fourfold by 2047 to support the nation’s vision of a developed India. He emphasized that sustainability and innovation would be the twin pillars driving India’s energy transformation. “We are at the crossroads of innovation and sustainability, shaping the future of India’s energy landscape,” Kirloskar remarked, setting the tone for the day’s discussions.

Following this, Mahaveer Singhvi, IFS, Joint Secretary, NEST, Ministry of External Affairs, delivered a compelling session on fueling India’s future with clean energy innovation. He highlighted that India is the third-largest energy consumer in the world, with energy demand expected to triple by 2047. “Our economic growth, rapid urbanization, and expanding industries necessitate a robust energy infrastructure that is reliable, affordable, and clean,” he stated, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive transition plan.

The conversation on energy security continued with Ranjan Mathai, Former Foreign Secretary of India, who provided a strategic perspective on ensuring a secure energy future for a developed India. He pointed out that India is the first major nation striving to achieve three energy goals simultaneously—ending energy poverty, transitioning to cleaner energy, and maximizing self-sufficiency in the face of global uncertainty. “Achieving these three goals at the same time is an enormous challenge, but one that India is fully capable of meeting with the right policies and technological advancements,” he said.

A significant focus was placed on Gujarat’s ambitious plans to lead India’s renewable energy transition. Arun Mahesh Babu, IAS, MD, Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd., shared insights on the state’s contribution to 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with an additional 162 GW dedicated to green hydrogen production. He reinforced India’s commitment to Net Zero by 2070 and NET 65 by 2047, aligning with the nation’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). “This effort is not just about numbers; it is about ensuring a sustainable future through clean energy leadership, technological innovation, and strategic implementation,” he stated.

The summit also explored global advancements in hydrogen energy, particularly Europe’s green hydrogen initiatives. Dr. P.K.C. Bose, Chairman of Cambi India & Executive Advisor at Cambi Group Norway, outlined Europe’s Nordic Green Hydrogen Campaign, the largest hydrogen initiative in the region. He detailed how Germany is leading in hydrogen technology innovation, France is focusing on industrial applications, and Spain and the Netherlands are leveraging wind and solar energy for hydrogen production. With the EU making significant investments in electrolysers, fuel cells, and storage solutions, Dr. Bose emphasized, “The EU is actively promoting cross-border hydrogen trade and investing heavily in R&D for hydrogen infrastructure development.”

A dynamic panel discussion followed on future-proofing hard-to-abate sectors, led by Utkarsh Patel, Associate Fellow, CSEP, New Delhi. The discussion highlighted Kerala’s industrial sector, which is pioneering the integration of green hydrogen technologies in key industries such as fertilizers (FACT), petrochemicals (BPCL), and shipping (Cochin Shipyard Ltd.). “Kerala’s industrial sector is taking bold steps towards sustainability, pioneering green hydrogen technologies to decarbonize processes,” Patel noted.

The day concluded with an insightful session on sustainability in aviation, featuring Manu G, Airport Director of Cochin International Airport. He shared the inspiring journey of Cochin International Airport, the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. As aviation accounts for 2.5% of global carbon emissions, adopting sustainable energy solutions is imperative. “Cochin International Airport is a global model for renewable energy adoption in the aviation sector,” he proudly stated.

The key takeaways from the day reaffirmed that a massive energy transition is essential to meet India’s projected peak demand of 700 GW by 2047. Hydrogen and renewables will play a critical role in decarbonization, and global collaborations, technology investments, and regional initiatives will shape India’s clean energy future. As the discussions concluded, it was evident that India’s roadmap towards Viksit Bharat 2047 is fueled by visionary leadership, groundbreaking innovations, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

As the world moves toward a hydrogen-powered future, this summit underscored the urgency and importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring a sustainable and energy-secure world.

The journey toward a cleaner, greener future has begun!
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