In a strategic initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government has formed a 21‑member high‑level advisory committee to foster hydrogen investments and establish Amaravati as India’s green hydrogen valley. The committee is chaired by VK Saraswat, a NITI Aayog member, with Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand serving as co‑chair. Dr. D. Narayana Rao of SRM University has been appointed as member‑secretary, while Kamalakara Babu, MD of APNREDCAP, assumes the role of member‑convenor.

The panel’s composition spans scientists, industry experts, and policymakers. Its purview encompasses green hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and its application across industry, transport, and power generation. The committee is tasked with advising the state government on optimal policy frameworks, technical standards, and strategies for capacity building to nurture a robust hydrogen ecosystem.

State officials recall that the Green Hydrogen Summit held in July culminated in the Green Hydrogen Valley Declaration. Under this declaration, Andhra Pradesh set its sights on becoming India’s leading green hydrogen hub by 2030, underpinned by a clear roadmap. With this framework in place, the new advisory body is intended to translate intent into action.

To support targeted technology development, a multi‑stakeholder advisory board with several working groups has been established. Their mandate is to identify and promote state-of-the-art technologies in hydrogen production, testing, and storage. Distinguished members include Dr. N. Yuvaraj, Dr. R.K. Malhotra, Dr. Ashish Lele, Dr. Arindam Saha, Dr. Sujit Pillai, and Amit Saran, representing premier institutions such as CSIR‑NCL, MNRE, and the Ministry of Railways.

This effort underscores Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to lead India’s green hydrogen transition by fostering synergies across government, academia, and industry. By institutionalising oversight, policy guidance, and technical evaluation through this committee and its working arms, the state aims to position Amaravati at the forefront of the country’s low-carbon energy future.

Source:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ap-forms-high-level-panel-to-drive-hydrogen-investments/articleshow/124430933.cms