Kochi: The Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit 2025, held on March 12–13, 2025 in Kochi, Kerala, hosted an insightful panel discussion on “Green Hydrogen Demand & Decarbonization”, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology experts to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping India’s emerging hydrogen economy.

The session was moderated by Hemant Mallya, Fellow – Industrial Sustainability, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). Panelists included Siddharth Mayur, Founder & CEO, H2E Power; Alexander Hogeveen Rutter, Manager, Third Derivative; Dr. Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Associate Professor and Head, Hyundai Hydrogen Hub, IIT Madras; G.V. Shankar, Strategy Advisor & Senior Consultant, Axiom Exploration Group Ltd.; and Makrand Lad, Vice President – High-Pressure Cylinder Business, Time Technoplast Ltd.

The discussion focused on accelerating green hydrogen adoption through technology innovation, policy support, infrastructure development, and stronger collaboration between industry and academia.

Green Hydrogen Moving from Vision to Commercial Reality

The panel observed that the hydrogen sector has entered a new phase where attention is shifting from ambitious announcements to commercial deployment and operational execution.

While green hydrogen has generated significant global interest over the past few years, the next challenge lies in creating viable business models that can support large-scale adoption across industries such as refineries, fertilisers, chemicals, mobility, and heavy manufacturing.

The experts stressed that long-term demand creation will be as important as scaling production capacity.

Technology Innovation Driving Cost Reduction

Panelists highlighted the rapid evolution of electrolyser technologies and their role in reducing the cost of green hydrogen production.

Emerging technologies, including advanced solid oxide electrolysers, are expected to improve efficiency while lowering production costs over time. Participants noted that continued innovation and manufacturing scale could mirror the dramatic cost reductions witnessed in the solar energy sector over the past decade.

Alongside electrolysers, discussions also explored alternative hydrogen production pathways, including biomass- and ethanol-based solutions, which could help address resource constraints such as water availability.

Expanding Hydrogen Beyond Large Industries

The discussion emphasised that green hydrogen should not remain limited to large industrial users alone.

Experts identified opportunities in decentralised energy systems, remote communities, agriculture, backup power, microgrids, and distributed industrial applications. Developing hydrogen solutions tailored to these sectors could significantly broaden demand while improving energy security and supporting regional decarbonisation.

Industry and Academia Must Work Together

A recurring theme throughout the session was the importance of stronger collaboration between research institutions and industry.

Panelists highlighted initiatives such as hydrogen innovation hubs and testing facilities being developed at institutions including IIT Madras, where researchers are working closely with industry partners to accelerate commercialisation of indigenous hydrogen technologies.

They noted that bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial deployment will be essential for building a globally competitive hydrogen ecosystem in India.

Advancing Hydrogen Storage Technologies

The panel also examined one of the critical challenges facing hydrogen adoption—safe, efficient, and affordable storage.

Experts discussed advances in lightweight high-pressure storage cylinders and next-generation composite materials designed to improve transportation efficiency while reducing system costs. Continued innovation in storage technologies is expected to play a vital role in expanding hydrogen use across mobility and industrial sectors.

Building a Collaborative Hydrogen Ecosystem

The panel concluded that achieving India’s green hydrogen ambitions will require coordinated efforts across government, industry, academia, startups, and global technology partners.

Also Read | Kerala Showcases Small Hydro Potential to Accelerate Renewable Energy Transition

Participants stressed the importance of supportive policies, investment in research and development, infrastructure creation, and international collaboration to accelerate innovation and commercial deployment.

With increasing momentum across the hydrogen value chain, the experts expressed confidence that India has the opportunity to emerge as a global leader in clean hydrogen technologies while supporting industrial decarbonisation and long-term energy security.

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