India now plans to produce around 3 million metric tons (MMTPA) of green hydrogen by 2030 and expects to reach the original 5 MMTPA target by 2032, according to Santosh Sarangi, Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He explained that delays in renewable energy policy decisions by European countries have created uncertainties in future demand for green hydrogen exports. Despite this, India remains confident in building a strong domestic market for the clean fuel.
Some of India’s export-focused green hydrogen projects are expected to start later than initially planned due to global policy uncertainties, potentially delaying the country’s clean fuel ambitions, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
Adjusted Production Targets
Impact of Global Decarbonization Delays
Global milestones in decarbonizing maritime shipping have been postponed, dimming near-term prospects for using green hydrogen in large vessels. Nevertheless, India is actively boosting domestic demand, focusing on applications in the shipping sector and methanol production, Sarangi noted.
Building a Stable Domestic Market
To strengthen the domestic hydrogen ecosystem, the MNRE is collaborating with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to issue additional tenders for supplying green hydrogen to refineries. These efforts aim to create a stable and predictable market for the clean fuel within India. The ministry is also assessing connectivity for clean energy projects and plans to issue tenders based on available infrastructure, ensuring smoother project implementation.
Addressing Project Viability
The power ministry has asked renewable development agencies to ensure viability for over 40 GW of projects currently without a purchaser. Sarangi emphasized that the renewable energy ministry is actively resolving these issues upfront, preventing delays and ensuring that projects are market-ready.
Outlook
While global uncertainties have slowed export-driven timelines, India is strategically focusing on domestic applications to maintain momentum in the green hydrogen sector. As reported by reuters.com, with policy support, targeted tenders, and infrastructure planning, the country aims to meet its medium-term hydrogen ambitions while preparing for a growing export market in the future.
