Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced a ₹100 crore ‘Call for Proposals’ to support pilot projects developing innovative technologies for producing green hydrogen from biomass and waste materials. He made the announcement at the Third International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Green Hydrogen Mission Driving India’s Clean Energy Shift
Addressing the inaugural session, Joshi highlighted that the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is propelling India’s clean energy transition by creating jobs, attracting investments, and positioning India as a global hub for green hydrogen. He also unveiled the official NGHM logo, selected from over 2,500 entries nationwide, symbolizing people’s participation and collective creativity in driving India’s green revolution.
Mission Aims to Decarbonize Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, NGHM is designed not only as a national program but also as a global solution to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. Joshi described the mission as the fuel of a new civilization and a key to achieving long-term energy independence.
Major Progress Under the SIGHT Programme
The Minister reported rapid advancements under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) initiative. Incentives have been awarded for 3,000 MW per annum of domestic electrolyser manufacturing. Green hydrogen production has reached 8.62 lakh metric tonnes per annum (MTPA). India now boasts the world’s lowest green ammonia price at ₹49.75 per kg for 7.24 lakh MTPA production.
Additionally, the government has:
*Invested ₹132 crore in five pilot projects for green steel.
*Sanctioned ₹208 crore for 37 hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and nine refuelling stations.
*Allocated ₹35 crore for India’s first hydrogen bunkering and refuelling facility at V.O. Chidambaranar Port.
New ₹100 Crore Call for Biomass-Based Hydrogen Projects
Joshi announced that the MNRE will invite proposals for pilot projects using biomass and waste materials to produce green hydrogen. BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) will implement the initiative to encourage participation from industries, start-ups, and research institutions. The funding adds to the ₹100 crore already sanctioned for start-ups under NGHM. The Minister emphasized that the initiative would strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and demonstrate cost-effective, scalable technologies to advance the hydrogen economy.
Building a Skilled and Sustainable Hydrogen Ecosystem
Joshi also highlighted India’s progress in developing a skilled workforce and robust regulatory frameworks. Forty-three hydrogen-related skill qualifications have been approved. Over 6,300 trainees have been certified. The government has introduced the Green Hydrogen Standard (2023) and Certification Scheme (2025) alongside 128 technical standards to ensure quality and safety. “Green hydrogen has become an economic necessity rather than an option,” Joshi said, adding that India is ensuring its growth remains competitive and climate-resilient amid emerging global carbon-border regulations.
Global Collaboration at ICGH 2025
The Minister described the ICGH 2025 as a global platform bringing together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to accelerate sustainable innovation. “This conference represents a global commitment to building a cleaner and more inclusive energy future,” he said.
India’s Renewable Energy Progress and Future Goals
MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi shared that India’s non-fossil installed capacity has now crossed 250 GW, including:
*130 GW solar
*50+ GW wind
*17 GW bio-energy and small hydro
India is set to achieve 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The NGHM will mobilize ₹8 lakh crore in investments and save ₹1 lakh crore annually in fossil fuel imports.
Towards a Green Hydrogen Future
As reported by malaysiasun.com, with these initiatives, India is steadily advancing toward a self-reliant and sustainable hydrogen economy. The ₹100 crore biomass-based hydrogen pilot initiative marks another major milestone in harnessing indigenous resources and fostering green innovation for a cleaner, more resilient future.
