Discover India’s roadmap to net zero through the Green Hydrogen Mission—clean energy, hydrogen hubs, and global competitiveness.
India has set an ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. To meet this target, the government has launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), a landmark initiative aimed at decarbonizing industries, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports, and positioning India as a global leader in clean energy.
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is hydrogen fuel produced using renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Unlike “grey” hydrogen (made from natural gas, releasing CO₂) or “blue” hydrogen (where CO₂ emissions are captured and stored), green hydrogen is completely carbon-free, making it a cornerstone of the global energy transition.
Hydrogen can be used across multiple sectors — from powering vehicles and industries to generating electricity and storing renewable energy.
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India’s Green Hydrogen Mission: Key Highlights
Launched in January 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission has a total initial outlay of ₹19,744 crore (approx. $2.3 billion). Its primary objectives are:
- Capacity Creation: Develop at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production annually by 2030.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Add 125 GW of renewable power capacity to support hydrogen production.
- Export Potential: Position India as a hub for green hydrogen exports, especially to Europe, Japan, and South Korea.
- Industrial Transition: Decarbonize sectors like steel, cement, oil refineries, and fertilizers — traditionally hard to reduce emissions in.
- Job Creation: Generate over 6 lakh jobs in green hydrogen and allied industries.
- Investment Opportunity: Attract more than ₹8 lakh crore in investments by 2030.
Why Green Hydrogen is Crucial for India
- Energy Security: India imports over 85% of its crude oil and nearly 50% of its natural gas. Green hydrogen reduces dependency on fossil fuel imports.
- Climate Goals: Helps India achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
- Industrial Transformation: Enables low-carbon steel, cement, and fertilizers — reducing pollution in heavy industries.
- Global Competitiveness: Countries are increasingly imposing carbon border taxes. Green hydrogen adoption ensures Indian exports remain competitive.
Current Developments
- Pilot Projects: NTPC, Indian Oil, and Reliance are running pilot plants for green hydrogen production.
- Green Hydrogen Hubs: States like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are emerging as hydrogen hubs due to strong renewable energy potential.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Global players like Adani, L&T, and ReNew Power are entering the sector with large-scale investments.
- Policy Push: Incentives, subsidies, and a proposed Green Hydrogen Consumption Obligation (GHCO) will mandate industries to adopt hydrogen fuel.
Challenges Ahead
While the potential is enormous, several hurdles remain:
- High Cost: Currently, green hydrogen costs ₹300–400 per kg, almost double the price of grey hydrogen.
- Infrastructure Gap: Lack of pipelines, storage facilities, and refueling stations.
- Technology Dependence: Electrolyzer manufacturing is still limited in India, making imports necessary.
- Water Usage: Hydrogen production requires freshwater, raising sustainability concerns in water-scarce regions.
Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond
- Scale up domestic electrolyzer production to reduce costs.
- Create a nationwide hydrogen transport and storage network.
- Promote international collaborations with Europe, Japan, and the Middle East for technology transfer and trade.
- Invest in R&D for hydrogen fuel cells for mobility solutions like buses, trucks, and trains.
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Conclusion
The Green Hydrogen Mission is more than just an energy program — it is India’s ticket to becoming a clean energy superpower. By investing early in this technology, India can cut emissions, strengthen energy independence, boost exports, and create millions of jobs.
If implemented effectively, green hydrogen could become the backbone of India’s net zero transition by 2070, reshaping its economy and securing a sustainable future.