India Accelerates Green Hydrogen Ambitions with Major Projects & Tech Breakthroughs

India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the green hydrogen sector, with groundbreaking advancements in production technology, ambitious project milestones, and robust government and industry support signaling a transformative shift toward a sustainable energy future. As the nation intensifies efforts to decarbonize its economy, recent developments highlight India’s commitment to building a thriving green hydrogen ecosystem.

Major Project Milestones

India’s green hydrogen landscape is witnessing significant progress with several high-profile projects. Larsen & Toubro’s subsidiary, L&T Energy GreenTech, has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation to construct the country’s largest green hydrogen plant at the Panipat refinery in Haryana. This facility will produce 10,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually for 25 years, marking a pivotal step in integrating green hydrogen into India’s refining sector.

In Gujarat, Adani New Industries Limited (ANIL) has commissioned India’s first off-grid green hydrogen pilot plant in Kutch. Powered entirely by solar energy, this 5-megawatt facility underscores the potential for renewable-driven hydrogen production in regions abundant with solar resources.

Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a green hydrogen hub through its “Green Hydrogen Valley” initiative. The state aims to achieve 2 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2027, scaling up to 5 GW by 2029, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for production, storage, and utilization.

In Raipur, Matrix Gas and Renewables is pioneering a green steel pilot project, leveraging green hydrogen to convert iron ore into sponge iron. This initiative represents a critical step toward decarbonizing India’s steel industry, one of the country’s most carbon-intensive sectors.

However, not all regions are moving at the same pace. Assam’s recent decision to pause its green hydrogen policy has raised concerns, prompting investors to reassess plans worth millions of dollars and highlighting the need for consistent policy frameworks.

Technological Innovations

India’s scientific community is making strides in green hydrogen production. Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru have developed a scalable, solar-powered water-splitting device that produces green hydrogen using only sunlight. Featuring a novel n-i-p heterojunction architecture, the device has demonstrated impressive performance and durability in initial tests, offering a cost-effective solution for large-scale adoption.

To ensure the credibility of green hydrogen, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is developing a certification framework to verify that hydrogen and its derivatives are produced from renewable sources. Additionally, the MNRE is crafting a plan to track green hydrogen utilization and foster global partnerships for its export, positioning India as a key player in the international market.

Government and Industry Commitment

India’s green hydrogen ambitions are backed by significant financial and policy support. A report by Avener Capital projects investments of ₹210 lakh crore in the green hydrogen economy by 2030, reflecting strong industry confidence. The government’s Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme is driving growth through production-linked incentives (PLI) for both green hydrogen and electrolyser manufacturing.

To stimulate demand, the government plans to mandate a minimum share of green hydrogen consumption in key sectors and is pursuing competitive bidding for demand aggregation and procurement. Infrastructure development is also a priority, with plans for green hydrogen hubs, pipelines, and storage facilities to support both domestic use and exports.

India is strengthening its global footprint through international collaborations. Partnerships with Germany focus on electrolyser and storage research, while agreements with Japan advance hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and mobility solutions. The UAE is a key partner in developing infrastructure for green hydrogen exports, reinforcing India’s role in the global energy transition.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. The high cost of green hydrogen production, coupled with the need for a stable and affordable renewable energy supply, remains a significant barrier. Limitations in land and water availability further complicate scaling efforts. Addressing these hurdles will require sustained policy support, technological innovation, and infrastructure investment to make green hydrogen economically competitive with conventional methods.

A Bright Future

India’s green hydrogen journey is gaining momentum, driven by a combination of innovative projects, cutting-edge technology, and strategic partnerships. As the nation overcomes economic and logistical challenges, its vision of becoming a global green hydrogen powerhouse is within reach. With continued commitment from government, industry, and researchers, India is poised to play a pivotal role in the global shift toward clean energy.

(Writer Dilip Patil is Co-Chairperson of Indian Federation of Green Energy and rtd MD of Samarth Sugar)

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