The government has launched a ₹100-crore scheme to support startups working on innovative technologies in green hydrogen, marking a significant step towards accelerating India’s clean energy transition. The scheme, unveiled at the first Green Hydrogen R&D Conference, will provide financial support of up to ₹5 crore per project, enabling early-stage ventures to scale pilot projects in production, storage, transport, and utilisation technologies.

Addressing the conference, Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said the initiative would bridge the gap between research and deployment. “This scheme is not just about funding—it is about turning research into practical solutions that can power industries, clean cities, and create lakhs of new jobs across India,” he said.

The two-day conference, which began on Thursday, features 25 startups showcasing innovations ranging from electrolyser manufacturing to AI-driven optimisation platforms and biological hydrogen solutions. The event serves as a platform for young enterprises to engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders and investors, providing visibility and opportunities for collaboration.

The scheme aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, which envisions transforming India into a global hub for green hydrogen production and exports. With a total outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the Mission is built on four pillars: policy and regulatory framework, demand creation, research and innovation, and enabling infrastructure.

Officials highlighted that the dedicated R&D component under NGHM has already awarded 23 projects in its first round of funding, signalling strong progress. These projects span diverse areas including next-generation electrolysers, hybrid renewable systems for hydrogen production, and novel storage materials.

The new ₹100-crore startup-focused scheme will complement this effort by specifically targeting early-stage ventures that can bring disruptive solutions to market. By supporting pilot-scale demonstrations, the government hopes to reduce technological risks, attract private investment, and shorten the timeline for commercialisation.

India’s push for green hydrogen comes at a critical time as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to impose tariffs on carbon-intensive imports such as steel and aluminium from 2026. For India, decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like steel, fertilisers, refineries and shipping will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness in global markets.

Source:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/govt-launches-rs-100-crore-scheme-for-startups-to-aid-innovations-in-green-hydrogen/articleshow/123834301.cms