Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi visited the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, today to witness an innovative experiment producing eco-friendly pure green hydrogen from agricultural waste. Addressing eminent professors, researchers, and industry leaders, the minister emphasised IISc’s vital role in shaping India’s clean energy future and highlighted key scientific challenges ahead.Shri Joshi expressed his pleasure at being at IISc, describing it as a source of “global respect and national pride”. He thanked IISc Director Professor Rangarajan and commended the faculty’s dedication. Praising the “highly advanced green water generator production system” developed by Professor Dasappa and his team, the minister stated, “This system exemplifies how fundamental science can be transformed into effective technology.” He hailed it not only as a national achievement but as a “global achievement.” The system produces up to 5 kilograms of green hydrogen per hour with over 99 per cent purity, using India’s agricultural residues. Unlike typical burning of waste or methane emissions from decay, this invention offers a sustainable fuel source and a carbon-reducing process, removing more than one kilogram of carbon dioxide per kilogram of hydrogen produced.Minister Joshi linked the innovation to the “National Green Hydrogen Mission” launched under Prime Minister Modi, with a budget of Rs 19,744 crore (approximately Rs 197 billion). The mission targets an annual production capacity of five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen, 125 gigawatts of additional renewable energy, total investments of Rs 800 billion, over 600,000 new jobs, and an annual reduction of 50 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Funding has already been allocated for 3,000 megawatts of electrolyser capacity and 860,000 tonnes of green hydrogen production per year.The minister stressed that financial aid alone cannot guarantee success and set out four national challenges for IISc and the scientific community:Hydrogen conservation: Developing safe, reliable storage solutions for hydrogen is critical due to its storage difficulties.Cost reduction of electrolysis systems: Shri Joshi urged IISc’s Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) to pioneer efficient, low-cost electrolysis technologies, stating, “True progress comes not from subsidies, but from science.”Reducing hydrogen vehicle costs: He highlighted the need for affordable hydrogen-powered vehicles and accessible refuelling stations, noting five pilot projects with 37 hydrogen vehicles and nine refuelling centres under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.Lowering green hydrogen prices: The current cost of Rs 300–400 per kg must be reduced to Rs 100 per kg. Quoting Shri Amitabh Kant, he reiterated the goal of one dollar per kg by 2030.Concluding, Shri Joshi urged IISc to lead India not only in research but in making the country a global leader in affordable and sustainable hydrogen technologies. He assured full support from his ministry, promising collaboration on pilot projects, financial assistance, and industrial partnerships for scaling up. He ended with a call: “Together, let us make India a frontrunner in the green hydrogen economy.”