ISRO Chairman Says Hydrogen Will Play A Transformative Role In India’s Space Missions, Transportation, And Clean Energy Future

Hydrogen is poised to play a transformative role in India’s space missions, transportation, and clean energy landscape, said Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, at a National Workshop on “Hydrogen Fuel Technologies and Future Trends” held at Alliance University, Bengaluru, in association with the Indian Institute of Science. The workshop was attended by dignitaries and experts including Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, and Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Chairman of CIIS and Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog, who delivered the inaugural keynote on “India’s Hydrogen Policy and Future Trends.” The event focused on hydrogen applications in engines and turbines, technological advances, and the challenges and opportunities for integrating hydrogen into India’s energy systems.

Dr. V. Narayanan highlighted India’s achievements in hydrogen technology, noting its dual role in meeting rising energy demands and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He emphasized that hydrogen is central to many of ISRO’s advancements. For instance, India’s GSLV Mk III rocket, launched in January 2025, was powered by a cryogenic stage using liquid hydrogen and oxygen, a technology previously inaccessible to India. He also mentioned ISRO’s demonstration of a 100-watt oxygen-based fuel cell in space, with a 20-kilowatt version currently under testing.

Beyond space applications, hydrogen is being explored in aircraft, trains, automobiles, and fuel cells. He referenced ISRO’s 2010–11 collaboration with Tata Motors on a hydrogen fuel cell bus, and the commercial launch of five hydrogen-powered buses in June 2025. Industry players such as BHEL and NTPC are also developing hydrogen systems and gas turbine engines. Dr. Narayanan stressed the importance of safety in hydrogen applications, highlighting the need for faster and more reliable sensors.

He further elaborated on ISRO’s progress with cryogenic engines, citing that the agency now operates three cryogenic propulsion systems and leads globally in certain performance parameters. He noted the speed of engine development, the success of multi-engine flights, and the launch of the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite, showcasing India’s technological growth since its first small rocket launch in 1963.

Abhay G. Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor of Alliance University, emphasized hydrogen’s potential as a clean and versatile energy carrier. He noted that hydrogen offers zero carbon emissions at the point of use and is critical to decarbonizing key sectors. With less than 1% of global hydrogen production currently from renewable sources, he stressed the importance of workshops like these in bridging the gap between research and real-world application, encouraging students and future engineers to actively participate in the energy transition.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi highlighted hydrogen’s importance for India’s global competitiveness, calling it a catalyst and a bridge between fossil fuels and renewable energy. She emphasized that India must advance production, storage, and application technologies, including sensors, electrolyzers, and fuel cells, to lead globally in this field. Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat underscored the need for a robust hydrogen economy in India, noting its potential across mobility, industrial heating, and energy generation.

He highlighted methanol as an effective hydrogen carrier and pointed out critical gaps in India’s capabilities, such as electrolyzers, storage systems, compressors, and fuel cells. He stressed that safety and handling remain vital, especially for internal combustion engines, fuel cells, and rockets. Dr. Saraswat urged India to intensify indigenous R&D, build infrastructure like 700-bar storage systems, and develop new storage materials. He emphasized the role of hydrogen and carriers like methanol in heavy transport and marine applications, where batteries are less effective.

Pradip Kumar Pandey, Secretary of The Combustion Institute – Indian Section (CIIS), noted that the workshop comes at a critical time as India prepares for major advancements in hydrogen technologies. With nearly 150 participants from academia and industry, and presentations of high-level technical papers, the event highlighted India’s growing momentum in hydrogen research. Participants included experts from IISc, IITs, and leading global companies, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The workshop also reinforced India’s commitment under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aimed at establishing the country as a global hub for hydrogen production, utilization, and export. Experts discussed hydrogen’s role in mobility, industrial applications, and energy systems, while addressing challenges such as production costs, storage, and safety. The event underscored the importance of coordinated research, policy support, and industry engagement to accelerate India’s hydrogen economy and support its net-zero ambitions.