The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power recently disclosed significant strides made in the implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This mission aims to revolutionize India’s energy landscape by promoting the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Major Developments:
- Green Hydrogen Production Facilities: On 9 January 2024, the tender for selecting Green Hydrogen Producers was awarded to 10 companies. These companies will establish production facilities for green hydrogen under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme, Mode-1-Tranche-I. The total capacity of these facilities is set at 4,12,000 tonnes per annum.
- Electrolyser Manufacturing Capacities: Additionally, on 12 January 2024, the tender for Electrolyser Manufacturers (EM) was awarded to 8 companies. They will set up manufacturing capacities for electrolyzers in India under the SIGHT Scheme, Tranche-I, with a total capacity of 1,500 megawatts per annum.
- Scheme Guidelines: The scheme guidelines for SIGHT Mode 2A and Mode 2B were notified on 16 January 2024, facilitating the aggregation models for Green Ammonia and Green Hydrogen, respectively.
- Pilot Projects in the Shipping Sector: Moreover, on 1 February 2024, the scheme guidelines for implementing pilot projects for using Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector were issued.
Regional Development and Hubs
A crucial aspect of the National Green Hydrogen Mission involves identifying and developing regions capable of supporting large-scale hydrogen production and utilization. In line with this, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has earmarked three major ports—Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin)—to be developed as hydrogen hubs.
National Mission Implementation
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy spearheads the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023, with a substantial outlay of Rs 19,744 crore. The goal is to position India as the global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export.
State-Level Initiatives
Several states have also announced their own Green Hydrogen policies, offering various incentives to attract investment in green hydrogen production plants. These initiatives reinforce India’s position as a key player in the global green hydrogen market.
Gas Trading Exchange Regulations
To further bolster the energy ecosystem, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has enacted the PNGRB (Gas Exchange) Regulations, 2020. These regulations aim to regulate the establishment and operations of gas trading exchanges, thereby facilitating a free gas market and fostering a gas-based economy in the country.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission is poised to catalyze the development of 5 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. With robust initiatives at the national, state, and regulatory levels, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the green hydrogen revolution, driving sustainable energy transitions and economic growth.
