India is taking major steps toward building a cleaner and more sustainable energy future with the launch of its National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023. This initiative marks a significant turning point in the country’s energy strategy, aiming to establish India as a global hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Green hydrogen is a clean fuel made using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power, and offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
The mission’s primary goal is to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030. To achieve this, India will need to generate at least 125 GW of renewable energy to support green hydrogen production. The government has introduced financial incentives to promote domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers—the devices used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity—as well as to encourage green hydrogen production. The total planned investment for this mission is over ₹19,744 crore.
India’s approach is phased. The first phase, from 2022 to 2026, focuses on creating demand and building supply infrastructure, especially in sectors that already use hydrogen, like refineries and fertilizers. The second phase, from 2026 to 2030, aims to expand usage in other sectors like steel, mobility, and shipping. Pilot projects are already being launched in these areas to test the viability of green hydrogen and gather valuable data for future large-scale projects.
India has several advantages that support its green hydrogen ambitions. It enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, making solar power an ideal source of renewable energy. It also has significant wind power potential, especially in states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. Combined with a strong national electricity grid and supportive government policies such as waivers on transmission charges and banking of renewable energy, these factors help make green hydrogen production more feasible and affordable.
The mission also focuses on infrastructure development and regulatory support. Guidelines and standards are being set for the safe and quality-assured production and use of green hydrogen. Dedicated green hydrogen hubs are planned at key ports like Kandla in Gujarat, Paradip in Odisha, and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu to support domestic use and exports.
India’s efforts also include international partnerships. The country is collaborating with nations like Germany, Australia, and the UAE to share knowledge, technologies, and investments in green hydrogen. A dedicated platform called SHIP (Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership) has also been launched to promote research and development in the field.
With all these efforts, India hopes to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports, create over six lakh jobs, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 million tonnes per year. The country’s ambition is not just to meet its own energy needs but also to become a major global supplier of green hydrogen. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a crucial step toward achieving energy independence and making India a leader in the global clean energy transition.
