Clean Energy Partnership: US, India set up hydrogen task force

21 Jun 2021 CW Team

This is under the aegis of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP). The partnership will leverage India’s landmass and green energy sources for exporting green hydrogen as one of the measures for gaining energy sufficiency for the country, as per a draft proposal circulated by the Ministry of New and Renewable energy (MNRE) for the proposed National Hydrogen Energy Mission.

India and the US started the Strategic Energy Partnership in New Delhi in April 2018. Four working groups have been formed under the Strategic Energy Partnership — power and energy efficiency, oil and gas, sustainable development and renewable energy. The inaugural meeting of the US-India Strategic Energy Partnership attended by then Rick Perry, US energy secretary, who had pitched the US as a preferred energy partner, took place in April 2018 in New Delhi.

On 22 April 2021, at the Leaders’ Summit on Climate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden agreed to start a high-level India-US Partnership which envisions bilateral cooperation on strong measures in the current decade to fulfil the Paris Agreement goals, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated in a 22 April statement.

The MEA statement said that the Partnership would continue along with two main steps: the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, which will develop and subsume a range of existing processes.

Green hydrogen gas is created by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyser, powered by electricity generated from renewable energy sources. India, the world’s third-largest oil importer is improving its energy sourcing playbook by holding its economic and strategic interests in mind. Clean fuel can be a game-changer for India, which imports 53% of gas and 85% of its oil demand.

The USISPF statement said that the Inaugural Session, addressing the high-level priorities for the task force was attended by senior government officials from the Government of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the US Department of Energy, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Science and Technology, NITI Aayog and Ministry of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and delegates from US India Strategic Partnership Forum, the Secretariat for the Task Force.

Image Source

Also read: India and UK launch workstream to promote industrial energy efficiency

Also read: UK, India announce Rs 10,000 crore trade partnership

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

On June 17, 2021, India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), United States Department of Energy (DOE), and the US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), together launched a US-India Hydrogen Task Force. This is under the aegis of the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP). The partnership will leverage India’s landmass and green energy sources for exporting green hydrogen as one of the measures for gaining energy sufficiency for the country, as per a draft proposal circulated by the Ministry of New and Renewable energy (MNRE) for the proposed National Hydrogen Energy Mission. India and the US started the Strategic Energy Partnership in New Delhi in April 2018. Four working groups have been formed under the Strategic Energy Partnership — power and energy efficiency, oil and gas, sustainable development and renewable energy. The inaugural meeting of the US-India Strategic Energy Partnership attended by then Rick Perry, US energy secretary, who had pitched the US as a preferred energy partner, took place in April 2018 in New Delhi. On 22 April 2021, at the Leaders’ Summit on Climate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden agreed to start a high-level India-US Partnership which envisions bilateral cooperation on strong measures in the current decade to fulfil the Paris Agreement goals, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated in a 22 April statement. The MEA statement said that the Partnership would continue along with two main steps: the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, which will develop and subsume a range of existing processes. Green hydrogen gas is created by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyser, powered by electricity generated from renewable energy sources. India, the world’s third-largest oil importer is improving its energy sourcing playbook by holding its economic and strategic interests in mind. Clean fuel can be a game-changer for India, which imports 53% of gas and 85% of its oil demand. The USISPF statement said that the Inaugural Session, addressing the high-level priorities for the task force was attended by senior government officials from the Government of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the US Department of Energy, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Science and Technology, NITI Aayog and Ministry of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and delegates from US India Strategic Partnership Forum, the Secretariat for the Task Force. Image Source Also read: India and UK launch workstream to promote industrial energy efficiency Also read: UK, India announce Rs 10,000 crore trade partnership

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

Real Estate

03 Jun 2026

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Jun 2026

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..