India has taken another step towards strengthening its green energy transition with the development of the Indian Technology Catalogue on Green Fuels, jointly prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Danish Energy Agency under the India-Denmark Energy Partnership. The catalogue provides a common and transparent information base on emerging green fuel technologies, supporting policymakers, investors, industries, and energy planners in understanding available solutions and their potential role in India’s future energy system.
The initiative comes at a time when India is experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing electricity demand. The country has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, requiring significant changes in its energy production and consumption patterns. While renewable electricity and direct electrification are expected to play important roles, several sectors continue to face challenges in reducing their carbon emissions. Long-distance transportation, heavy industries, shipping, and agriculture are among the areas where conventional electrification may not be sufficient. Green fuels are therefore expected to become an important part of India’s long-term decarbonization strategy.
The technology catalogue covers several emerging solutions, including different types of electrolyzers, hydrogen storage systems, green ammonia production, and biomass gasification. These technologies offer alternative pathways for producing, storing, transporting, and using cleaner fuels across multiple sectors.
Electrolyzers are among the key technologies highlighted in the catalogue because they are essential for producing green hydrogen using renewable electricity. The document covers three major electrolyser technologies: Alkaline, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), and Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cells (SOEC). Alkaline and PEM electrolyzers are already operating at commercial scales and are important options for expanding green hydrogen production. SOEC technology, meanwhile, operates at higher temperatures and can achieve improved efficiency when integrated with suitable heat and power sources. However, its wider adoption will depend on technological improvements, cost reductions, and commercial development.
The catalogue also examines hydrogen storage and transportation options, particularly pressurized hydrogen tanks and Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs). Efficient storage and transportation are necessary for developing a large-scale hydrogen economy, especially when production locations are far from industrial consumers. Compressed hydrogen offers a practical storage solution, while LOHC technology allows hydrogen to be stored in liquid organic compounds and transported using suitable infrastructure. Both approaches involve considerations related to energy consumption, material requirements, safety, and overall costs.
Green ammonia is another important technology covered in the document. Produced through the Haber-Bosch process using green hydrogen, green ammonia can support the production of low-carbon fertilizers and provide an alternative fuel for maritime transportation. Its potential applications make it relevant for industries seeking to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The catalogue further highlights biomass gasification as a thermochemical process that converts agricultural residues, wood waste, and other locally available biomass into useful energy. The technology can support decentralized energy generation, rural electrification, and waste-to-energy initiatives while creating opportunities to utilize agricultural waste more effectively.
The joint initiative is expected to support India’s energy planning by providing reliable technical information on technology readiness, performance, applications, and cost-related considerations. It can help governments, industries, and investors make informed decisions while evaluating different green fuel pathways.
As global markets for green hydrogen, ammonia, and other sustainable fuels continue to develop, access to updated technological information will become increasingly important. The catalogue is expected to undergo continuous updates to reflect improvements in technology maturity, declining costs, and operational experience. Through this shared knowledge platform, India and Denmark aim to strengthen cooperation and support India’s efforts towards energy security, industrial decarbonization, and its long-term net-zero ambitions.
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