Is India's Green Hydrogen Mission Pioneering?

India's foray into a groundbreaking energy transformation emerges with the unveiling of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Spearheaded by Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power, Shri R. K. Singh, this strategic initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet on January 4, 2023, signifies India's intent to lead the global charge in green hydrogen production, utilization, and exportation.

With an allocation of ₹19,744 crore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission swiftly gains momentum, exemplified through notable projects nationwide.

Pioneering Initiatives

GAIL Limited takes the lead by initiating India's premier hydrogen blending project within the City Gas Distribution grid. At the Avantika Gas Limited (AGL) station in Indore, 2% hydrogen blends into the CNG network, while 5% enriches the PNG network.

Simultaneously, NTPC Limited achieves a significant milestone by blending green hydrogen up to 8% in the PNG Network at NTPC Kawas Township, Surat, Gujarat, starting from the beginning of 2023.

PSU Innovations

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) showcase innovation with NTPC's deployment of Hydrogen-based Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Buses in Leh and Greater Noida. Oil India Limited's development of a 60 kW hydrogen fuel cell bus and Indian Oil's pilot plants showcasing diverse green hydrogen production methods for refueling hydrogen fuel cell buses highlight the nation's diverse endeavors.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission projects bold targets for India's energy landscape by 2030.

By 2030, India aims to escalate green hydrogen production capacity to 5 MMT annually, curbing cumulative fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore. The mission anticipates leveraging investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore, potentially generating over 6 lakh job opportunities.

Forward Trajectory

The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme kickstarts the process by issuing the Request for Selection (RfS) to identify capable green hydrogen producers, aiming to establish production facilities generating 450,000 tons of green hydrogen within India.

Speaking before the Lok Sabha on December 21, 2023, Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power, Shri R. K. Singh, emphasized these milestones, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to steering a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission represents India's determined stride towards spearheading a global shift towards cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.