India Takes the Lead in Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Development: Announces High-Level Voluntary Principles on Hydrogen

India’s G20 Presidency played a crucial role in advancing discussions on building a sustainable and equitable global hydrogen ecosystem during the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers Meeting held on July 22, 2023. The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power, Shri R. K. Singh, revealed that members emphasized the significance of a hydrogen ecosystem that benefits all nations. As a result, the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers affirmed the High-Level Voluntary Principles on Hydrogen.

Among the key principles is the promotion of free and fair trade of hydrogen produced from zero and low-emission technologies and its derivatives. Additionally, India has been actively engaging in bilateral cooperation with various countries to foster the development of the green hydrogen sector.

The Minister highlighted that on January 4, 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an investment of Rs. 19,744 crores. The mission incorporates a range of financial and non-financial measures to accelerate green hydrogen adoption.

One of the significant financial measures under the mission is the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, which receives a substantial allocation of ₹ 17,490 crore. SIGHT aims to provide incentives for domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and production of green hydrogen. Guidelines for incentive schemes in these areas have already been issued by the government.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission has ambitious goals, seeking to develop a capacity of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production per annum by 2030. Such a development is estimated to avert nearly 50 MMT of CO2 emissions annually through the production and utilization of green hydrogen.

The mission’s comprehensive approach encompasses various aspects such as facilitating demand creation through exports and domestic utilization, pilot projects in sectors like steel, mobility, and shipping, and the establishment of green hydrogen hubs. It also focuses on infrastructure development, regulatory framework establishment, research and development, skill development, and public awareness and outreach programs.

With this visionary mission, India is set to become a global leader in green hydrogen technology and contribute significantly to global efforts in combating climate change and fostering a sustainable energy future.