Avaada Group Signs MoU with GRIDCO and IIT-Bhubaneswar to Establish Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence in Odisha

Avaada Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GRIDCO and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to Green Hydrogen research and innovation in Odisha.

The proposed facility will focus on integrated studies across the Green Hydrogen value chain, including energy storage, industrial use cases, and mobility applications. It will also analyse the techno-economic feasibility of emerging hydrogen technologies. The initiative supports the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022 and aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

Under the agreement, Avaada Group will establish an extension facility of the CoE within its Odisha production site, equipped with research teams and specialised testing infrastructure. The company will also support key R&D programmes undertaken through the CoE.

As per the collaboration framework, GRIDCO will act as the implementing agency responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Government of Odisha on funding and project execution. IIT-Bhubaneswar will serve as the host academic institution, providing land, research capabilities, and institutional support. Oversight will be led by the Principal Secretary of Odisha’s Energy Department.

Avaada Group Chairman Vineet Mittal said the collaboration represents a significant step forward in advancing India’s clean hydrogen research ecosystem.

“We are excited to partner with GRIDCO and IIT-Bhubaneswar for setting up the Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen in Odisha,” Mittal said. “This initiative marks an important milestone in India’s clean energy journey and will help accelerate the transition toward a net-zero future.”

MNRE has allocated ₹400 crore under NGHM to support research and innovation in the Green Hydrogen sector, including the establishment of Centres of Excellence across the country to advance technology development in production, transportation, storage, and applications.