G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has articulated India’s ambitious pursuit of becoming a global hub for green hydrogen by 2030. Addressing the Climate Financing Conference in New Delhi, Kant reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s energy landscape.
The primary focus is on achieving cost-effectiveness, with an audacious goal of reducing the current green hydrogen cost from $4.5 to $1 per kilogram by the end of the decade.
India’s initiatives toward green energy adoption are multifaceted. The government’s decision to exempt inter-state transmission charges for 25 years for green hydrogen and ammonia producers showcases a commitment to incentivizing clean energy projects. Additionally, the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, facilitates the supply of renewable energy through open access, specifically for green hydrogen production.
A pivotal development is the approval of the National Green Hydrogen Mission by the Union Cabinet on January 4, 2023. The mission outlines a comprehensive plan, targeting a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum by 2030. This aligns with an ambitious expansion of renewable energy capacity to approximately 125 GW. The overarching mission aims to reduce fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore and generate over 6 lakh jobs.
India’s progress in green hydrogen adoption is evident in projects like GAIL’s blending initiative in Indore and NTPC’s green hydrogen blending in Surat, Gujarat. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are actively involved in projects such as hydrogen-based fuel-cell electric vehicle buses and demonstration pilot plants for green hydrogen production.
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission is poised to bring about a paradigm shift, offering export opportunities, decarbonizing industries, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities, generating employment, and fostering technological advancements.
Amitabh Kant’s vision reflects India’s commitment to not only addressing its energy needs sustainably but also positioning itself as a global leader in the green hydrogen revolution. The journey towards $1 per kilogram green hydrogen is not just a technological feat but a comprehensive strategy for a sustainable and prosperous future.
