UPNEDA has approved a Rs 50 crore grant for Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology to set up a dedicated Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence. The proposal, originally submitted in August 2024, underwent a detailed multi-stage evaluation before receiving approval. The Centre is expected to play a major role in advancing green hydrogen research and innovation in Uttar Pradesh.

The Centre will operate on a hub-and-spoke model with IIT-BHU as a technical mentor. Leadership responsibilities are shared between Prof Vitthal L Gole from MMMUT and Dr Preetam Singh from IIT-BHU. They will be supported by six faculty members drawn from Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. This structure is designed to generate interdisciplinary collaboration and create a strong foundation for research.

Focus on research, start-ups and green hydrogen mobility

The Centre’s research agenda will focus on two primary pathways: biomass-based green hydrogen production and hydrogen generation through electrolysers. Greater emphasis will be placed on biomass-based production, which aligns with regional resource availability and national sustainability goals. By exploring both routes, the Centre aims to develop versatile hydrogen technologies suited for India’s conditions.

Supporting start-ups is another major objective. Initially, at least 10 start-ups will receive seed funding of Rs 25 lakh each, with a long-term goal of incubating up to 50 start-ups over the next decade. This is intended to stimulate innovation in green hydrogen technologies and build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in the sector.

The Centre will also focus on skill development by training instructors for polytechnics, ITIs and other vocational institutions. This aims to strengthen the workforce needed for India’s emerging hydrogen economy. Additionally, the Centre has been tasked with conducting feasibility studies for hydrogen-powered mobility solutions, including buses and trains, on the Gorakhpur–Varanasi route. This reflects growing interest in integrating green hydrogen into regional transport networks.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jai Prakash Saini expressed gratitude to state authorities and UPNEDA for supporting the initiative. The establishment of this Centre marks a significant step forward for India’s green hydrogen ambitions by combining research, entrepreneurship, training and mobility planning into a single institutional effort.

Source: 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/rs50cr-grant-for-mmmut-to-set-up-green-hydrogen-centre-of-excellence/articleshow/125844158.cms