The National Green Hydrogen Mission in India aims to position the country as a global hub for green hydrogen production, with the objective of reducing carbon emissions, fostering energy security, and boosting economic growth. Here are its salient features:
A. Target for Green Hydrogen Production
The mission aims to achieve an annual production of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030. This is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50 million tons annually and offset India’s fossil fuel imports.
B. Investment and Economic Impact
With an expected investment of ₹8 lakh crore by 2030, the mission seeks to generate over 6 lakh jobs. This aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving a $5 trillion economy by promoting green industries and attracting global investments.
C. Incentives and Subsidies
The government plans to provide production-linked incentives (PLI) for electrolyzer manufacturing and green hydrogen production. These incentives aim to reduce the cost of green hydrogen to ₹2-3 per kg from the current ₹6-7 per kg, making it competitive with grey hydrogen.
D. R&D and Infrastructure Development
The mission emphasizes research and development to advance hydrogen technology, including electrolyzer efficiency and fuel cell innovation. Infrastructure initiatives, like hydrogen storage, pipelines, and refueling stations, are crucial components to build a robust green hydrogen ecosystem.
E. Industrial Decarbonization and Export Potential
Industries such as steel, cement, and fertilizer, which are difficult to decarbonize, are primary targets for green hydrogen use. The Ministry of Power envisions India as a green hydrogen exporter, particularly to Japan, South Korea, and Europe, aligning with the FICCI report projecting India’s export potential at $200 billion annually by 2050.
F. Inter-Ministerial and Global Collaboration
The mission promotes a cross-ministerial approach, involving the Ministries of Power, New and Renewable Energy, and Science and Technology. Global partnerships, including alliances with countries like Japan and Germany, support technology transfer and capacity building, as highlighted in the NITI Aayog report on green hydrogen.
G. Alignment with Net Zero Goals
The mission is a step toward India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 and reducing emission intensity by 45% by 2030. This initiative aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission is designed to transform India’s energy landscape by reducing dependency on fossil fuels, promoting sustainable industrial practices, and establishing India as a leader in green hydrogen production. Through targeted investments, R&D, and global cooperation, the mission supports India’s clean energy transition and its long-term goals of climate resilience and energy independence.