In a significant development, Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, convened a crucial meeting in New Delhi on October 19, 2023, to address the concerns of Green Hydrogen Developers and Industry Associations. The meeting aimed to gain insights into the challenges faced by developers and explore ways in which the government could support them.
During the meeting, Minister Singh reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to facilitate an “Ease of Doing Business” environment for hydrogen developers. He highlighted India’s potential as a global leader in green hydrogen production, leveraging its unified grid and substantial renewable energy capacity. Singh emphasized the government’s dedication to making India competitive in the production of green hydrogen, aligning with the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Key takeaways from the meeting included a presentation by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, underscoring the need for 25 GW of renewable power to produce 1 million metric tonnes of hydrogen and 5 GW for green ammonia production. Industry representatives were also encouraged to share details of upcoming green hydrogen/ammonia projects and their power withdrawal requirements, to enable effective planning of transmission infrastructure.
Industry stakeholders raised several pressing issues, including Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policies, regulatory provisions for dual connectivity, contractual conditions, state-imposed demand charges, and overall cost reduction in green hydrogen production. Minister Singh assured the industry that their concerns would be addressed promptly, reiterating India’s commitment to becoming a competitive player in the global green hydrogen and derivatives market while ensuring grid security.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in January 2023, holds substantial promise. With an allocated budget of Rs. 19,744 crores, the mission envisions producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, accompanied by a renewable energy addition of 125 GW. This ambitious mission is set to generate employment opportunities, reduce carbon emissions, and attract significant investments into the sector, positioning India as a key player in the green hydrogen arena.
