The Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST) has invited bids to establish Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) in the country.
A hydrogen valley is a geographical region where hydrogen is used for multiple applications across different sectors, such as industry, energy, and mobility. The DST is looking to promote the adoption of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source and drive hydrogen technology development in India.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2023, is part of the initiative to promote hydrogen energy technology in India. The DST has allocated up to ₹300 million (~$3.6 million), or 50% of the total HVIC cost, whichever is lower, based on the justified needs of the project.
The initiative aims to establish two categories of small-scale HVICs that are eligible for funding. The first type is a city or town-wide hydrogen valley, covering an area of approximately 100 km radius and encompassing various parts of the hydrogen value chain. The second type is a campus-wide hydrogen valley, in which the hydrogen value chain is contained within the area of an R&D institution or an industrial establishment.
The projects selected for funding will be announced in August 2023, and project initiation and company formation are expected to begin in October 2023, as per the invitation. Each HVIC will be a public-private partnership-driven project, with both public and private sector partners playing a crucial role.
The lead organization hosting the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster should have the ability to connect with various stakeholders to translate the research outputs for practical applications. Proposals will be evaluated and scored against selection and award criteria – excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of implementation.
This initiative is significant as it aligns with the Indian government’s target to reduce ₹1 trillion (~$12 billion) worth of fossil fuel imports by 2030. Green hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, and the hydrogen valley initiative can help promote the development of green hydrogen technologies in India.
However, there are potential challenges to the initiative’s success, including high costs, infrastructure requirements, and competition with existing energy sources. It is crucial to ensure that the projects selected for funding can demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of the proposed HVICs.
In conclusion, the establishment of Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters in India is a step towards promoting hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source. The initiative’s success will depend on the selection and funding of feasible and scalable projects, ensuring the involvement of public and private sector partners, and addressing potential challenges in the deployment of the technology.
