The National Green Hydrogen Mission stands as a transformative initiative aimed at making India a global leader in green hydrogen production, usage, and export. With a strategic vision to advance clean energy, the Mission aligns with India’s goal of achieving self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) while significantly reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency. This initiative will serve as a model for global clean energy transitions and position India at the forefront of hydrogen-based energy solutions.
Key Focus Areas of the National Green Hydrogen Mission
1. Demand Creation and Market Expansion
The Mission is set to catalyze both domestic and international demand for green hydrogen. Key strategies include:
- Exports: Establishing India as a major exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives through policy support and strategic partnerships.
- Domestic Consumption: Mandating a minimum share of green hydrogen usage for key industries such as fertilizers, refineries, and chemicals.
- Competitive Bidding: Aggregating demand and facilitating procurement through a transparent competitive bidding process.
- Certification Framework: Developing regulatory standards for verifying green hydrogen production from renewable energy sources.
2. Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT)
To accelerate India’s green hydrogen economy, the Mission has allocated ₹ 17,490 crore up to 2029-30 under two key financial incentive mechanisms:
- Electrolyzer Manufacturing Incentives to boost domestic production capabilities.
- Green Hydrogen Production Incentives to ensure cost competitiveness in the global market.
Additionally, to maintain quality and reliability, government-approved equipment with specified performance criteria will be mandated for all competitive bidding processes.
3. Pilot Projects to Pioneer Green Hydrogen Applications
Recognizing the need for real-world applications, pilot projects are being launched in multiple sectors with a dedicated outlay of ₹ 1,466 crore. Key focus areas include:
- Low-carbon steel production (₹ 455 crore up to 2029-30)
- Green hydrogen in mobility (₹ 496 crore up to 2025-26)
- Shipping sector transformation (₹ 115 crore up to 2025-26)
- Other applications such as decentralized energy, biomass-based hydrogen, and hydrogen storage technologies.
4. Establishment of Green Hydrogen Hubs
To promote large-scale hydrogen production and utilization, at least two Green Hydrogen Hubs will be developed in the initial phase. The Mission has earmarked ₹ 400 crore up to 2025-26 for infrastructure development in these hubs, ensuring robust facilities for production, storage, and distribution.
5. Policy Support and Infrastructure Development
A robust policy framework will facilitate:
- Waiver of interstate transmission charges for renewable energy used in hydrogen production.
- Renewable energy banking provisions for hydrogen producers.
- Time-bound approvals for Open Access and connectivity for hydrogen projects.
Infrastructure investments will focus on supply chain development, including pipelines, storage facilities, and export networks, to ensure a seamless domestic and international hydrogen supply chain.
6. Regulations, Standards, and R&D Innovations
For a sustainable and internationally competitive green hydrogen industry, the Mission prioritizes:
- Regulatory Framework: Harmonizing domestic policies with international standards to facilitate global trade.
- Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP): A public-private collaboration fostering research and development through a dedicated R&D fund (₹ 400 crore).
- Skill Development: Coordinating efforts with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to create a skilled workforce for the hydrogen economy.
7. Mission Governance and Investment Outlay
The Mission will be governed by an Empowered Group (EG) chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, along with an Advisory Group of industry experts and a Mission Secretariat under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for implementation.
The total financial outlay of ₹ 19,744 crore includes:
- ₹ 17,490 crore for the SIGHT programme
- ₹ 1,466 crore for pilot projects
- ₹ 400 crore for R&D
- ₹ 388 crore for other Mission components
Way Forward: A Bold Step Towards Energy Security and Sustainability
The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a game-changer in India’s energy landscape. By scaling up green hydrogen production, fostering demand, ensuring policy support, and investing in R&D, India is well-positioned to become a global hub for green hydrogen. As the country transitions towards a clean energy future, this Mission will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, cutting fossil fuel imports, and creating a sustainable economy for generations to come.
*Text & Image source: National Portal of India