Bhalla outlined the comprehensive National Green Hydrogen Mission, which includes pilot projects, research and development (R&D) initiatives, and skill development programs.
May 17, 2024. By Abha Rustagi
Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, addressed the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, highlighting India’s strategic vision and capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production.
Bhalla outlined the comprehensive National Green Hydrogen Mission, which includes pilot projects, research and development (R&D) initiatives, and skill development programs. “This holistic approach reflects the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building across the hydrogen value chain. Moreover, the Mission’s focus on piloting projects and advancing R&D underscores India’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for green hydrogen technologies, fostering the emergence of cutting-edge solutions and best practices,” he stated.
Reaffirming India’s status as a global leader in renewable energy affordability, Bhalla highlighted the nation’s competitive pricing. “With competitive pricing, India presents an attractive landscape for domestic and international investments in renewable energy projects, aligning with the nation’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources,” he said. He also emphasized India’s integrated grid infrastructure, which enhances grid stability and reliability, optimizing efficiency and minimizing the need for long-distance transportation and storage of hydrogen.
India’s skilled engineering workforce is important for the successful implementation of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects. “With world-class expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, India offers a robust talent pool capable of executing projects with efficiency and precision. This availability of skilled personnel at a reasonable cost further enhances India’s competitiveness in the global market for green hydrogen production,” noted the Secretary.
Bhalla highlighted India’s ambition to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen. “With a strategic focus on scaling up production, India aims to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the international market for green hydrogen, thereby reinforcing its position as a key player in the global energy transition,” he asserted. He assured the Summit delegates of India’s capability to meet any scale of production demand for green hydrogen, contingent on sufficient market demand and support.
India’s renewable energy deployment strategy, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), is strong. Currently, approximately 43 percent of India’s installed electricity capacity comes from non-fossil-fuel sources, with projections indicating a rise to 50 percent by 2030.
Bhalla’s keynote address showcased India’s leadership, ambition, and capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. He emphasized India’s strong commitment to affordability, infrastructure development, skilled personnel, ambition, and scalability. “The National Green Hydrogen Mission stands as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration towards a greener and more sustainable future,” he concluded.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, targeting 5 million tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. Significant progress includes awarded tenders for incentives supporting green hydrogen production of 412,000 tonnes per annum and electrolyser manufacturing capacity of 1,500 MW per annum.
