India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the hydrogen sector, with a strong emphasis on green hydrogen, according to Dave Ernsberger, Co-President of S&P Global Commodity Insights. Ernsberger has praised India’s strides in clean energy, noting that the country is taking a leadership role in hydrogen development and setting an example for other nations to follow.

He underlined the importance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, describing it as a pivotal initiative for the global transition to cleaner energy and enhanced energy independence. The Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet on 4 January 2023, has an allocated budget of Rs 197.44 billion. Its goal is to position India as a hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen, targeting an ambitious 5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030.

India’s abundant renewable energy resources, combined with its strong industrial infrastructure, give it a unique advantage in the hydrogen sector. “India is in an excellent position to really lead the world in developing green hydrogen, and hydrogen in general, given that really strong asset base,” Ernsberger said. He emphasised that effective collaboration between government, industry, supply chains, and traders will be critical to achieving the sector’s objectives and scaling up production efficiently.

On 11 September, Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the first Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference in New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. During the event, he also launched a Rs 10 billion Call for Proposals aimed at supporting start-ups working on hydrogen innovation. Under this scheme, individual projects can receive up to Rs 50 million to pilot initiatives across hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilisation.

The conference provided a platform for 25 start-ups to showcase their innovations, which ranged from electrolyser manufacturing and AI-driven optimisation to biological hydrogen solutions. These demonstrations highlighted the dynamism and rapid evolution of India’s emerging hydrogen ecosystem, reflecting the country’s potential to become a key player not only in domestic energy supply but also in global hydrogen markets.

With strategic government support, technological innovation, and industry collaboration, India is well on its way to becoming a global hub for green hydrogen, underlining the country’s commitment to a sustainable and energy-independent future.

Source: 

https://www.constructionworld.in/energy-infrastructure/power-and-renewable-energy/india-tipped-to-lead-global-green-hydrogen-push/79378