Hydrogen is not only the fuel of the future but also a vital pillar of energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability, said Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on Thursday in New Delhi.
Speaking at the World Hydrogen India event organized by S&P Global Commodity Insights, Puri emphasized India’s ambitious plans, noting the country’s goal of producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This goal is supported by a solid policy framework and a Rs 19,700 crore allocation under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. “Every electrolyser manufacturer in the world is coming here because they see potential,” Puri remarked.
The minister also highlighted India’s success in biofuel blending, stating, “We set ourselves a target of 10% biofuel blending by 2020 and achieved it five months ahead of schedule. Then, we raised the target to 20% by 2030. The first target was met early, and the second was achieved six years ahead of time.”
Puri pointed to significant strides in reducing hydrogen production costs, referencing Indian Oil’s green hydrogen plant in Panipat and Tokyo Energy’s competitive bids at Vizag. He credited this progress to increasing investor confidence and the maturation of hydrogen technologies.
He also noted the potential of green ammonia, especially in the context of Solar Energy Corporation of India’s green ammonia tenders, calling it a “critical export opportunity” due to its logistical advantages over natural gas.
The Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission on January 4, 2023, with a budget of Rs 19,744 crore. The mission’s primary objective is to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, use, and export, aiming to achieve an annual production of 5 million metric tons (MMT) of green hydrogen by 2030.
Reflecting on India’s evolving green hydrogen strategy, Puri observed that the vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2021, has swiftly transformed into a national agenda driven by a mission-oriented approach. From price discovery through tenders to the launch of major green hydrogen and ammonia projects by state-run oil companies and private sector players, Puri said India is laying the foundation for a self-reliant, export-ready green hydrogen economy.
