Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi has announced a ₹100 crore Call for Proposals for pilot projects aimed at producing green hydrogen from biomass and waste materials, marking a significant step in India’s clean energy transition under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025) held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Joshi said the Mission is accelerating India’s shift toward clean energy, generating employment, and positioning the country as a global hub for green hydrogen production. During the event, the Minister also launched the official NGHM logo, selected from over 2,500 public submissions, symbolizing nationwide participation in India’s green energy journey.
₹100 Crore Boost for Biomass-Based Hydrogen Innovation
The newly announced initiative will fund pilot projects to develop innovative technologies for green hydrogen generation from biomass and waste, implemented through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). Joshi stated that the scheme encourages collaboration between industries, start-ups, and research institutions, complementing the ₹100 crore already sanctioned for start-ups under NGHM.
“This initiative will strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and demonstrate new, cost-effective technologies capable of accelerating our hydrogen transition,” Joshi said.
India’s Green Hydrogen Drive Gains Momentum
Launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the NGHM aims to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors and secure long-term energy independence. Joshi emphasized that the mission represents “a new phase of India’s clean-energy revolution,” with green hydrogen serving as the fuel of a new civilization.
Under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program, incentives have been awarded for 3,000 MW per annum of domestic electrolyser manufacturing and 8.62 lakh metric tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production. India now records the world’s lowest green ammonia price at ₹49.75 per kg for 7.24 lakh MTPA production.
Additional progress includes:
-₹132 crore invested in five pilot projects for green steel
-₹208 crore sanctioned for 37 hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and nine refuelling stations
-₹35 crore allocated for India’s first hydrogen bunkering and refuelling facility at V.O. Chidambaranar Port
Advancing Skills, Standards and Global Competitiveness
Joshi highlighted India’s commitment to powering its entire hydrogen ecosystem through renewable energy, supported by robust policy frameworks such as the Green Hydrogen Standard (2023) and Certification Scheme (2025). The country has approved 43 hydrogen-related skill qualifications, with over 6,300 trainees certified and 128 technical standards established.
“With global economies adopting carbon-border adjustments, green hydrogen is no longer an option but an economic necessity,” Joshi said, emphasizing India’s goal to lead in climate-resilient, competitive clean value chains.
Industry Leaders Highlight India’s Global Leadership Potential
Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said the NGHM is progressing strongly across its four key pillars—policy, demand creation, R&D, and enabling infrastructure. He noted India’s low-cost advantage in hydrogen production could make it a major exporter to the EU, Japan, and South Korea.
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), highlighted that India’s non-fossil energy capacity has surpassed 250 GW, including 130 GW solar, 50 GW wind, and 17 GW bio-energy and small hydro. He stated that the Mission is expected to mobilize over ₹8 lakh crore in investments, create six lakh jobs, and save ₹1 lakh crore annually in fossil fuel imports.
He also pointed to new developments such as the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme and the establishment of Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters in Jodhpur, Pune, Bhubaneswar, and Kerala, designed to advance research and regional manufacturing ecosystems.
Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Joshi concluded that ICGH-2025 serves as a platform for international collaboration, bringing together scientists, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to accelerate clean hydrogen adoption.
“India stands ready to work with global partners to build a resilient and inclusive hydrogen ecosystem that powers sustainable growth for all,” the Minister said.
The event also saw participation from Hydrogen Europe CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis and SECI Managing Director Akash Tripathi, reaffirming the growing international interest in India’s leadership in the global green hydrogen economy.
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