In a landmark step toward clean energy leadership, the Union Government on Thursday launched a Rs 100-crore scheme for startups to accelerate innovation in green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilisation. The initiative was announced by New & Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi at India’s first Green Hydrogen R&D Conference.
Under the scheme, startups can receive up to Rs 5 crore per pilot project, opening a new wave of funding for technologies that can decarbonise industries, power cities, and generate lakhs of new jobs.
Turning Research Into Action
Addressing over 25 startups showcasing their innovations — from AI-powered electrolysers to biological hydrogen solutions — Joshi emphasised that India’s green hydrogen push is about “moving from vision to action”.
“Green hydrogen is India’s next big leap in energy. We’re not just sharing ideas here; we’re building solutions that can transform industries, cities and livelihoods,” he said.
National Green Hydrogen Mission at Full Steam
This R&D scheme is part of the Rs 19,744-crore National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. The Mission rests on four pillars:
●Policy and Regulation
●Demand Creation
●R&D and Innovation
●Enabling Infrastructure
The first round of R&D funding has already approved 23 projects involving IITs, CSIR labs, IISERs and industry partners. The second round remains open till September 15.
India’s Green Hydrogen Ecosystem Expands
India is seeing a surge of pilots across key sectors:
●Shipping: Retrofitted vessels and new refuelling facilities at Tuticorin Port.
●Steel: Hydrogen-based decarbonisation pilots in five locations.
●Transport: Hydrogen buses and refuelling stations already operational.
●Fertilisers: First-ever green ammonia auction at a record low price of Rs 49.75/kg.
Dedicated hydrogen hubs at Kandla, Paradip and Tuticorin Ports will make India an export powerhouse.
Big Goals, Bigger Opportunities
By 2030, India targets 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually, 125 GW of new renewable capacity, and Rs 8 lakh crore in investments — creating six lakh jobs and cutting 50 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
“Green hydrogen is not just an energy revolution, it’s an economic and environmental revolution,” Joshi said. “With government support and industry participation, India can emerge as the global hub for green hydrogen innovation.”