Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi unveiled a new INR 100 crore R&D scheme to support innovative green hydrogen startups. At the maiden Green Hydrogen R&D Conference, Minister Joshi announced a call for proposals to support startups working in the emerging hydrogen sector. Under this initiative, the government will provide up to INR 5 crore per project to support pilot initiatives in key areas, such as hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilisation. According to an official statement, the scheme aims to promote innovative technologies by offering financial assistance for pilot projects focusing on hydrogen-related solutions.

NGHM’s Vision to  Attract Investments

Highlighting the growing momentum of India’s green hydrogen ecosystem, Joshi explained that the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is transitioning from planning to execution. The mission targets an annual production of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. He added that this mission is expected to drive investments worth INR 8 lakh crore while generating around 6 lakh new jobs across sectors linked to hydrogen.

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NGHM: A Structured Approach to Sustainable Energy

Launched in 2023, the NGHM is designed to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen. With an allocated budget of INR 19,744 crore, the mission is built around four core pillars: policy framework, demand creation, research and development, and enabling infrastructure. The holistic approach aims to ensure that hydrogen production is sustainable, scalable, and aligned with national and international standards.

Strengthening Standards & Infra

Joshi underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the sector by aligning India’s green hydrogen standards and certification scheme with over 140 global benchmarks. He also pointed out that five new hydrogen testing facilities have been approved, over 5,600 individuals have been trained in hydrogen-related technologies, and exemptions such as transmission charge waivers and faster clearances have been rolled out to encourage industry growth.

Startups Driving Innovation & Investment

The minister highlighted how startups and private players are contributing to a stronger hydrogen ecosystem. These entities are investing heavily in hydrogen technologies, building robust supply chains, and generating employment opportunities. The conference also witnessed 25 startups showcasing breakthrough innovations in the hydrogen domain, including electrolyser manufacturing, AI-based process optimisation, and biological hydrogen solutions.

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Green Hydrogen: The North Star for India’s Energy Goals

Green hydrogen is fast becoming the cornerstone of India’s clean energy strategy as the country aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The government’s financial backing for capital-intensive hydrogen ventures has encouraged startups to offer technology-driven solutions to complex production challenges. Several examples stand out, such as Amara Raja Infra’s establishment of India’s first green hydrogen fuelling station in Ladakh for NTPC and Newtrace’s development of membrane-less electrolysers to cut production costs. Similarly, h2e Power’s solid oxide fuel cell technology claims to significantly lower onsite hydrogen generation expenses.

Challenges Persist, but Opportunities Expand

Despite the rapid growth of the sector, challenges remain. The green hydrogen space continues to face high capital requirements, long development timelines, dependence on government tenders, and inadequate infrastructure for storage and distribution. Nevertheless, the homegrown hydrogen market is expanding swiftly and is projected to reach a $34 billion opportunity by 2030, attracting more investments and fostering technological advancements.

India’s green hydrogen journey is gaining momentum, with strong government backing and entrepreneurial innovation driving it forward. With strategic investments, supportive policies, and growing industrial interest, the sector is set to play a pivotal role in transforming India’s clean energy landscape.