EU demand and India’s location strengthen prospects for hydrogen exports

India is rapidly positioning itself as one of the strongest global players in green hydrogen driven by a fast expanding domestic market and rising export potential. According to Jorgo Chatzimarkakis Chief Executive of Hydrogen Europe India’s strategic location and policy direction give it a distinctive advantage in the global hydrogen economy.

In an interview with ET Chatzimarkakis said India is perfectly located to supply green methanol and green ammonia to international markets. Major East Asia–Europe maritime routes pass through Indian waters providing a natural corridor for clean fuel exports. The European Union is among the key destinations identified under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission which targets a production capacity of 5 million tonnes by FY30.

Europe’s ambitions align with this opportunity. Under its REPowerEU Strategy of 2022 the EU aims to import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen and produce another 10 million tonnes domestically by 2030. However, the import programme has not progressed at the expected pace.

Chatzimarkakis said this gap has created the need for a renewed and pragmatic hydrogen strategy for the EU. He noted that a revised strategy is expected in spring 2026 although he anticipates it may be released in October that year.

India and the EU have already discussed hydrogen supply mechanisms under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement which allows carbon credits to flow from green hydrogen and derivative projects. Chatzimarkakis said India holds a strong position because most domestic production schemes comply with European rules. He added that projects not aligned with EU requirements can still be used in India’s domestic market.

The EU’s Renewable Energy Directive III outlines a target for renewable fuels of non biological origin to make up 42% of hydrogen used in industry by 2030 and 60% by 2035. With growing emphasis on domestic manufacturing of cleaner vehicles rather than relying on electric vehicle imports from China renewable hydrogen is expected to gain further traction across Europe.

Source: 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-among-the-strongest-global-green-h2-players-hydrogen-europe-ceo/articleshow/125369240.cms