India is working to position itself not just as a consumer but also as an innovation and manufacturing center for green hydrogen technologies, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik said. He added that the sector will also open up large-scale job opportunities, reports The Economic Times.
Speaking at an industry conference, Naik said, “Through the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by the Prime Minister, we are setting the stage for India to become a global hub in innovation, production, and use of hydrogen technologies.”
He added that the initiative would cut down reliance on imports, create high-value employment, and strengthen India’s position as a key exporter in the global hydrogen economy.
According to government estimates, by 2030 the Green Hydrogen sector could attract more than ₹8 lakh crore in investments and create around 6 lakh jobs.
Naik also stressed that India’s leadership in green hydrogen would help its industries stay competitive as countries across the world move to introduce cross-border carbon regulations.
The minister noted that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has already supported over 200 research and development projects in renewable energy, hydrogen, fuel cells, and storage technologies.
In January 2023, the Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The mission targets production of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 and aims to make India a global hub for production, use, and export of the clean fuel. It also seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and promote self-reliance in clean energy.
“India has set out on the ambitious path of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. Green Hydrogen is central to this journey and will ensure a cleaner and more secure energy future,” Naik said.
He further highlighted the creation of testing facilities and incubation programs to help researchers and innovators turn their ideas into practical solutions. “Research must not stay limited to labs. It needs to move to pilot projects, prototypes, and eventually commercial use,” he said.
Naik added, “The path from research to large-scale use takes time and effort. But with the ecosystem we are building—strong R&D facilities, supportive policies, international cooperation, and the talent of our scientists and entrepreneurs—I am confident India will turn challenges into opportunities.”
The Green Hydrogen Mission is expected to help India cut fossil fuel imports worth about ₹1 lakh crore by 2030.
