Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi opened the second edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) in Delhi through a video message, reaffirming India’s commitment to addressing climate change. He emphasized the importance of green hydrogen as a promising energy solution. PM highlighted India’s role as the first G20 nation to meet its Paris Agreement goals ahead of schedule and expressed a focus on innovative energy solutions, including green hydrogen, which can decarbonize hard-to-electrify industries like refineries, steel, fertilizers, and heavy-duty transportation.
The Prime Minister discussed India’s plan to become a global hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen. He mentioned the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, as a key step in this direction, aiming to drive innovation, develop infrastructure, and attract investments in the sector. PM pointed out that India’s non-fossil fuel capacity had increased by 300% over the last decade, with a remarkable 3000% growth in solar energy capacity.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, during the event, explained that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is moving towards becoming a leader in the green hydrogen sector. He shared that the National Green Hydrogen Mission has the potential to attract ₹8 lakh crore in investments and create 6 lakh jobs. Additionally, it will reduce reliance on imported natural gas and ammonia, potentially saving ₹1 lakh crore while reducing carbon emissions by 5 million metric tons by 2030.
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Puri, set ambitious targets for India’s green hydrogen mission. He outlined the goal of producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030, supported by a $100 billion investment and the development of 125 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity. This mission will reduce 15 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually and generate significant import savings. Puri emphasized the importance of pilot projects, hydrogen hubs, and research and development to drive innovation in the sector, supported by government incentives and a strong financial plan.
Shri Bhupinder S. Bhalla, Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, also highlighted India’s renewable energy goals. He emphasized the role of green hydrogen in achieving the Prime Minister’s Panchamrit plan, which includes reaching 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Bhalla discussed various initiatives, including pilot projects in transportation and shipping, the creation of green hydrogen hubs, and research in storage and transportation technologies. He also noted the projected growth of hydrogen demand in India, expected to reach 29 million metric tons per year by 2050.
Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, stressed the role of scientific research in advancing green hydrogen technology. He highlighted the need for continuous research and innovation to make green hydrogen more affordable and scalable.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, who praised India’s progress in the green hydrogen sector and its potential to lead the global transition toward a sustainable future.
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