RRB JE CBT2 : EXPERT
18 Jun

National Green Hydrogen Mission: From Policy Framework to Global Leadership

ANALYSIS

Introduction

India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) has emerged as a cornerstone of the country's clean energy transition strategy. Through a combination of policy incentives, research and development, infrastructure creation, international partnerships, certification mechanisms and industrial deployment, India aims to establish itself as a global hub for Green Hydrogen production, utilization and export. Recent developments including India-UK cooperation on hydrogen safety standards, Green Ammonia agreements for the fertilizer sector, Green Hydrogen certification frameworks, pilot projects and international collaborations indicate rapid progress towards achieving the Mission's objectives.

Evolution of India's Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in January 2023 with a total financial outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The Mission seeks to accelerate decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security and create a globally competitive green hydrogen industry.The Mission is expected to support:

  • Production of at least 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030.
  • Addition of around 125 GW of renewable energy capacity.
  • Investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore.
  • Creation of more than 6 lakh jobs.
  • Reduction of fossil fuel imports worth over ₹1 lakh crore.
  • Annual mitigation of nearly 50 MMT CO₂ emissions.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green Hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy through the process of electrolysis. Under India's notified standards, hydrogen qualifies as "green" when lifecycle emissions remain below 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced.Biomass-based hydrogen production is also eligible under the green category provided the emission threshold remains within prescribed limits.

Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT)

The SIGHT Programme represents the flagship financial incentive mechanism under NGHM.Key features include:

ComponentDetails
Total Allocation₹17,490 crore
ObjectivePromote Green Hydrogen and Electrolyser Manufacturing
Implementing AgencySECI
DurationUp to FY 2029-30

Through competitive bidding, incentives have been awarded to:

  • 19 companies for production of 8.62 lakh tonnes annually of Green Hydrogen.
  • 15 firms for 3000 MW annual electrolyser manufacturing capacity.

Green Hydrogen Certification Framework

To ensure transparency, traceability and credibility, the Government launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) in April 2025.The scheme:

  • Certifies hydrogen as "green" based on lifecycle emissions.
  • Provides credibility for domestic and export markets.
  • Creates a national framework for certification and monitoring.
  • Ensures compliance with international standards.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) serves as the nodal authority for accrediting monitoring and certification agencies.

Green Hydrogen Safety and Standards Ecosystem

A major development occurred with the India–UK Conference on Green Hydrogen Standards and Safety Protocols held in New Delhi on 27 February 2026.The conference was organized by the National Centre for Hydrogen Safety (NCHS) under MNRE in collaboration with the British High Commission and WRI India.The deliberations focused on:

  • Regulatory frameworks.
  • Hydrogen safety protocols.
  • Storage and transportation safety.
  • Risk assessment methodologies.
  • International standards harmonization.
  • AI-enabled monitoring systems.
  • Incident management and hazard assessment.

Institutions such as PESO and BIS emphasized the need for globally aligned hydrogen safety regulations and standards.

Research and Development Push

Research and innovation constitute a critical pillar of NGHM.The dedicated R&D programme has:

  • Budget allocation of ₹400 crore.
  • Supported 23 projects in the first phase.
  • Covered hydrogen production, storage, safety and utilization technologies.

The 1st Green Hydrogen R&D Conference 2025 launched a ₹100 crore Call for Proposals specifically targeting start-ups.Key features:

  • Funding up to ₹5 crore per project.
  • Focus on hydrogen production, storage, transport and utilization.
  • Participation of 25 start-ups showcasing advanced technologies.

Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP)

To promote indigenous technology development, the Mission has introduced the Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP).The programme seeks collaboration among:

  • Government research institutions.
  • Industry partners.
  • Academic organizations.

Major institutions include:

  • BARC
  • ISRO
  • CSIR
  • IITs
  • IISc

The objective is to build globally competitive hydrogen technologies and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Green Hydrogen Hubs and Infrastructure Development

India is developing integrated Green Hydrogen Hubs to facilitate production, consumption and exports.Recognized Green Hydrogen Hubs include:

PortState
Deendayal Port AuthorityGujarat
V.O. Chidambaranar Port AuthorityTamil Nadu
Paradip Port AuthorityOdisha

These hubs are expected to serve as future export gateways and industrial clusters.

Sectoral Deployment of Green Hydrogen

Fertilizer Sector

The fertilizer industry remains one of the largest consumers of ammonia.To reduce dependence on imported grey ammonia:

  • Green Ammonia Purchase Agreements (GAPA) and Supply Agreements (GASA) have been signed.
  • Total allocated capacity: 7.24 lakh tonnes per annum.
  • Agreement duration: 10 years.
  • Green ammonia prices discovered through bidding ranged from ₹49.75–₹64.74/kg.

Expected benefits include:

  • Foreign exchange savings of approximately $2.5 billion over 10 years.
  • Reduced import dependence.
  • Lower carbon footprint.
  • Enhanced fertilizer security.

Steel Sector

Five pilot projects have been launched to assess:

  • Hydrogen-based iron reduction.
  • Industrial decarbonization.
  • Safety and economic viability of hydrogen use in steel manufacturing.

Mobility Sector

Hydrogen mobility pilots have been initiated across ten routes involving:

  • 37 hydrogen vehicles.
  • 15 fuel-cell vehicles.
  • 22 hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles.
  • 9 hydrogen refueling stations.

Shipping Sector

Significant milestones include:

  • Port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot at V.O. Chidambaranar Port.
  • Indigenous hydrogen facility at Deendayal Port Authority.
  • Development of Green Methanol bunkering facilities.
  • Coastal Green Shipping Corridor initiatives.

High Altitude Applications

NTPC commissioned the world's highest altitude Green Hydrogen Mobility Project at Leh (3,650 metres), demonstrating hydrogen performance under extreme climatic conditions.

International Cooperation

India is actively expanding global hydrogen partnerships.

India–UK Partnership

Focus areas include:

  • Hydrogen standardization.
  • Safety protocols.
  • Regulatory cooperation.
  • Harmonized codes and standards.

EU–India Trade and Technology Council

The collaboration has generated over:

  • 30 joint proposals.
  • Focus on hydrogen production from waste.

Germany Partnership

SECI signed an MoU with H2Global Stiftung to facilitate:

  • International hydrogen trade.
  • Export market access.
  • Market-based procurement mechanisms.

Singapore Collaboration

MoUs signed with Sembcorp Industries support:

  • Green Hydrogen hubs.
  • Ammonia production.
  • Storage infrastructure.
  • Export facilities.

Global Positioning of India

At the World Hydrogen Summit 2025 in Rotterdam, India showcased:

  • 223 GW renewable energy capacity.
  • 108 GW solar energy.
  • 51 GW wind energy.

India reiterated its commitment towards:

  • Net Zero by 2070.
  • Energy Independence by 2047.
  • Becoming a major global exporter of Green Hydrogen.

Significance for India

The National Green Hydrogen Mission is strategically important because it:

  • Reduces fossil fuel dependence.
  • Strengthens energy security.
  • Supports industrial decarbonization.
  • Promotes domestic manufacturing.
  • Generates employment opportunities.
  • Enhances export competitiveness.
  • Facilitates achievement of climate commitments.

Conclusion

India's Green Hydrogen ecosystem is transitioning rapidly from policy formulation to implementation. Through a combination of financial incentives, certification systems, research support, industrial deployment, international partnerships and infrastructure development, the National Green Hydrogen Mission is creating a comprehensive framework for a low-carbon future. Successful implementation of the Mission could position India among the world's leading producers and exporters of Green Hydrogen while simultaneously strengthening energy security, industrial competitiveness and climate resilience.


STATIC PART

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

Launch

  • January 2023

Nodal Ministry

  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Financial Outlay

  • ₹19,744 crore

Major Objectives

  • 5 MMT Green Hydrogen production by 2030.
  • 125 GW renewable energy addition.
  • ₹8 lakh crore investments.
  • 6 lakh jobs.
  • Reduction of fossil fuel imports.
  • 50 MMT annual CO₂ emission reduction.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Established

  • 1992 (as a full-fledged Ministry)

Headquarters

  • New Delhi

Present Minister (as per input period)

  • Shri Pralhad Joshi

Functions

  • Renewable energy policy formulation.
  • Green Hydrogen Mission implementation.
  • Solar, wind, bioenergy and hydrogen promotion.
  • Energy transition initiatives.

National Centre for Hydrogen Safety (NCHS)

Established Under

  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Purpose

  • Support hydrogen safety ecosystem.
  • Develop safety standards.
  • Capacity building.
  • Regulatory coordination.
  • Technical guidance under NGHM.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Established

  • 2002

Parent Ministry

  • Ministry of Power

Headquarters

  • New Delhi

Function

  • Energy efficiency promotion.
  • Accreditation of Green Hydrogen certification agencies.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Established

  • 1986

Headquarters

  • New Delhi

Function

  • National standards formulation.
  • Alignment of Indian standards with international norms.

Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)

Parent Ministry

  • Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Headquarters

  • Nagpur

Function

  • Regulation of hazardous substances.
  • Hydrogen safety compliance.
  • Risk assessment and safety approvals.

Updated – 07 March 2026 ; 11:31 AM | PIB | News Source: PIB – India–UK Conference on Green Hydrogen Standards and Safety Protocols Advances Cooperation for Safe Green Hydrogen Scale-Up, PIB – Decarbonizing India’s Fertilizer Sector and Strengthening The Nation’s Energy Security, PIB Explainer – Unlocking India’s Green Hydrogen Production Potential, PIB – Green Hydrogen R&D Conference and ₹100 Crore Start-up Call, PIB – World Hydrogen Summit 2025 Participation, PIB – Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India Launch

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