MNRE unveils Rs 4 Billion green hydrogen R&D roadmap

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced a Rs 4 billion ($48.12 million) Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This initiative aims to create an ecosystem conducive to the commercialization of green hydrogen. The R&D roadmap focuses on advancing materials, technologies, and infrastructure to improve the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of green hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. It also prioritizes safety and addresses technical challenges in establishing a hydrogen-based economy. In July, MNRE outlined draft priorities for green hydrogen manufacturing and storage in its R&D roadmap. As part of World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, the government launched the Green Hydrogen page on 'The National Single Window System,' providing a unified platform for industries to secure approvals related to projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary of MNRE, revealed that pilot green hydrogen projects are already underway in sectors like steel, shipping, and road transport. The initial phase will focus on mission-driven projects expected to yield results within two to three years, according to Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Sood also stressed the need to establish standards for Type IV hydrogen storage cylinders, which have the potential to significantly enhance mileage and reduce filling time compared to Type III cylinders. In June, MNRE unveiled a framework document outlining incentive programs for electrolyzer manufacturing and green hydrogen production in India, with a combined financial outlay of Rs 174.9 billion ($2.1 billion). Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R. K. Singh recently noted that using green hydrogen for storage could make round-the-clock renewable energy highly affordable, costing approximately Rs 6 ($0.07)/kWh.