Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, today inaugurated the 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference in New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He also launched a new Rs 1 billion Call for Proposals to support start-ups working on hydrogen innovations. The scheme will provide up to Rs 50 million per project for pilot initiatives in hydrogen production, storage, transport and utilisation technologies. At the event, 25 start-ups are showcasing solutions ranging from electrolyser manufacturing to AI-driven optimisation and biological hydrogen methods.

Addressing researchers, start-ups, industry leaders and policymakers, Shri Joshi emphasised that the conference is designed not merely to exchange ideas but to translate research into practical solutions that can power industries, clean cities and generate millions of new jobs across India. He highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, launched with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) in 2023, to transform India’s energy sector and position the country as a global hub for green hydrogen. The Mission, with a total outlay of Rs 19.7 billion, is built on four pillars — Policy and Regulatory Framework, Demand Creation, R&D and Innovation, and Enabling Infrastructure.

Speaking on the progress in research and development, the Minister noted that the dedicated R&D Scheme under NGHM has already awarded 23 projects in its first round of proposals. These projects cover critical areas such as Safety and Integration, Hydrogen Production from Biomass, Hydrogen Applications, and Non-Biomass Hydrogen Production methods. Leading institutions such as IITs, IISERs, CSIR laboratories and industry partners are implementing these projects. The second round of R&D proposals, launched on 14 July 2025, remains open until 15 September 2025. International collaboration is also growing, with over 30 joint proposals on hydrogen production from waste submitted under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council.

Building a Green Hydrogen Ecosystem: From Vision to Action

Shri Joshi affirmed that India’s green hydrogen ecosystem is transitioning from vision to action. The country’s first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project has been launched at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu. In the steel sector, five pilot projects are demonstrating hydrogen-based decarbonisation solutions. In shipping, vessels are being retrofitted and refuelling infrastructure is being developed at Tuticorin Port. Hydrogen buses and refuelling stations are already operational in transport. In fertilisers, India conducted its first green ammonia auction, discovering a historic low price of Rs 49.75 per kg, compared with Rs 100.28 per kg in 2024, with supplies to begin at Paradeep Phosphates in Odisha.

The Minister also highlighted enablers already in place, including the Green Hydrogen Standard and Certification Scheme aligned with over 140 international standards, the sanctioning of five new testing facilities, and the certification of more than 5,600 trainees in hydrogen-related qualifications. Regulatory waivers such as exemptions from transmission charges and streamlined clearances are further facilitating growth. Dedicated hydrogen hubs are being developed at Kandla, Paradip and Tuticorin Ports to strengthen export competitiveness. Shri Joshi noted that both large enterprises such as NTPC, Reliance and IOCL, and start-ups and MSMEs, are investing heavily in hydrogen, building a robust value chain and creating millions of new jobs.

Reiterating India’s commitment, the Minister stated that NGHM aims to achieve five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production annually by 2030, 125 GW of new renewable capacity, investments of Rs 800 billion, six lakh new jobs and a reduction of 50 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year.

Shri Joshi also inaugurated the start-up exhibition held as part of the conference.

During the inaugural session, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, stressed that research and development empowers the nation to tackle complex challenges and drive economic growth. “R&D is not optional, but essential,” he said, underlining the importance of sustained innovation for building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem.

MNRE Secretary, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, highlighted that the Green Hydrogen R&D programme has a budget of Rs 4 billion and affirmed that the ministry is ready to collaborate with and support all stakeholders in advancing the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Dr. Abhay Bhakre, Mission Director of NGHM, remarked that India stands at the threshold of becoming a global leader in green hydrogen.

The 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference 2025, taking place on 11–12 September 2025, will feature expert sessions, interactive roundtables and a Start-up Expo with 25 pioneering companies driving India’s green energy revolution.