India’s ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070 gained significant momentum as Union Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, urged scientists, industry leaders, startups, and young researchers to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen innovation. Speaking at the valedictory session of the inaugural Green Hydrogen R&D Conference, organized by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Shri Naik highlighted how the two-day event united some of the brightest minds to map India’s transition to a clean, secure, and self-reliant energy future.
Green Hydrogen: The Core of India’s Clean Energy Future
Shri Naik emphasized that green hydrogen lies at the heart of India’s Net Zero journey, offering a pathway to decarbonize challenging sectors, open new trade opportunities, and secure a sustainable future. Through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Prime Minister, the government aims to transform India from a consumer to a global leader in hydrogen innovation, manufacturing, and deployment.
Strengthening Research and Innovation Ecosystem
MNRE has supported over 200 R&D projects in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, fuel cells, and storage. The Ministry has established dedicated funding, testing facilities, and incubation programs to foster innovation and help researchers translate ideas into practical solutions. “This conference exemplifies our shared commitment to turning laboratories into launchpads and startups into global champions,” said Shri Naik.
Comprehensive Discussions Over Two Days
The conference featured vibrant discussions involving research institutions, industry experts, startups, and government officials. Key topics included India’s vision as a global R&D leader in green hydrogen; advanced production methods such as electrolysis, thermochemical and biological routes; challenges around storage, transport, and fuel cell applications; and the importance of balancing safety with scalability. Governance frameworks, infrastructure, prototyping, commercialization, and talent development also featured prominently as critical components of a robust R&D ecosystem.
Shri Naik noted that sessions on blue-sky research and biological hydrogen production encouraged a balance between curiosity-driven science and near-term applications. Roundtables on safety and novel applications underscored the role of collaborative innovation in ensuring affordability, reliability, and trust in green hydrogen technologies.
Empowering Youth and Startups
Highlighting the importance of moving research beyond academia into pilots and commercialization, Shri Naik praised the young researchers and startups who showcased pioneering work. He described their energy and vision as embodying the spirit of Amrit Kaal and the aspiration for a developed India by 2047. The launch of a call for proposals for hydrogen startups during the conference is designed to accelerate innovation by lowering barriers and providing support. “I urge young minds to think beyond incremental changes and design disruptive solutions to shape the world’s energy future,” he said, calling for institutions to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Economic Growth, Competitiveness, and Environmental Responsibility
The Minister stressed that the mission is not just about clean energy but also about driving economic growth, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and upholding environmental responsibility. Green hydrogen will power sectors like steel, cement, fertilizer, mobility, and shipping, reduce import dependence, generate high-value jobs, and position India as a key exporter in the emerging global hydrogen economy. “As countries develop cross-border carbon regulations, India’s leadership in green hydrogen will ensure our industries remain competitive and future-ready,” Shri Naik added.
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation and Partnerships
Acknowledging the challenges from research to commercialization, Shri Naik called for patience, perseverance, and precision. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, supportive policies, international collaborations, and the talent of Indian scientists and entrepreneurs, he expressed confidence that India would transform challenges into opportunities.
The Minister also visited a startup exhibition held alongside the conference.
Mission Leadership and Conference Highlights
Shri Abhay Bhakre, Mission Director of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, reiterated the importance of green hydrogen as the fuel of the future. He highlighted the strong support from state agencies and noted that over 140 standards have been published to facilitate sector growth.
Dr. Sujit Pillai, Scientist ‘F’ at MNRE, reported overwhelming participation with 1,347 registrations. The event included 17 technical sessions, five panel discussions, eight roundtables, and a dedicated startup expo showcasing cutting-edge green hydrogen technologies.
Dr. Mohammad Rihan, Director General of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), underscored green hydrogen’s role in efficient grid management as renewable capacity expands. As the implementing agency for the startup support program under the mission, NISE is committed to forging partnerships and driving innovation.
Shri Akash Tripathi, Managing Director of SECI, pointed out India’s real opportunity to advance rapidly in emerging hydrogen technologies like electrolysers. He stressed the need for strong mentoring systems to support innovators and entrepreneurs alongside funding.
About the First Green Hydrogen R&D Conference
Held from September 11-12, 2025 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, the conference convened leading scientists, industry experts, startups, researchers, and policymakers to advance India’s green hydrogen ecosystem through research, innovation, and collaboration.
