India imports over 85% of its crude oil. Hydrogen offers a way to reduce this dependency, saving billions in foreign exchange. A NITI Aayog report estimates India’s green hydrogen market could exceed $8 billion by 2030.
As the world transitions from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, green hydrogen has emerged as a game-changer. With zero carbon emissions at the point of use, hydrogen offers immense potential in decarbonizing industries, transportation, and power. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has aggressively advanced its national hydrogen strategy, positioning itself as a global leader in this promising frontier.
India’s Strategic Vision for Green Hydrogen
Launched in 2021, the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is the cornerstone of India’s hydrogen roadmap. Backed by ₹19,744 crore (approximately $2.4 billion), the mission aims to make India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Key targets include:
- 5 MMT (million metric tonnes) of green hydrogen production annually by 2030.
- 125 GW of renewable energy capacity dedicated to hydrogen production.
- Creation of over 600,000 jobs.
- Reduction of nearly 50 MMT of CO₂ emissions annually.
Scientific Innovations Driving Progress
A remarkable breakthrough in this journey has come from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Indian scientists have explored the role of Built-In Electric Fields (BIEF) and Gibbs Free Energy in proton adsorption for hydrogen production — a crucial step in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
They synthesized a CuO–CuWO₄ p-n heterojunction, demonstrating how the interplay between BIEF and free energy gradients can optimize hydrogen bonding. The research uncovered:
- Enhanced proton adsorption at the CuO phase.
- Efficient desorption at the CuWO₄ phase.
- A “negative cooperativity” effect improving HER efficiency.
- Publication in Advanced Energy Materials (2025), a leading journal.
This represents a leap in India’s electrocatalyst design, critical for low-cost and scalable hydrogen generation.
Why This Matters: Strategic and Economic Significance
Energy Security and Financial Independence:
India imports over 85% of its crude oil. Hydrogen offers a way to reduce this dependency, saving billions in foreign exchange. A NITI Aayog report estimates India’s green hydrogen market could exceed $8 billion by 2030.
Industrial Decarbonization:
Hydrogen can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, fertilizers, and refineries. India’s industrial giants — such as Reliance Industries, NTPC, Adani, and Indian Oil Corporation — have announced billion-dollar investments in hydrogen ecosystems.
Global Leadership and Diplomacy:
Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance, India is driving South-South cooperation in green energy. Hydrogen strengthens its position as a climate leader on the world stage.
Modi Government’s Bold Policy Moves
- Hydrogen Hubs: States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra are being developed as hydrogen valleys with export infrastructure.
- PLI Scheme for Electrolysers: The government is incentivizing local manufacturing to reduce costs.
- R&D Boost: Through DST and CSIR labs, fundamental research is being accelerated to develop indigenous technologies and materials.
- Grid Integration and Storage: MNRE and CEA are working to ensure seamless integration of hydrogen with the national energy grid.
Global Interest and Investment
India is now attracting partnerships from countries like Germany, Japan, Australia, and the UAE. In 2023, Germany signed a €10 billion MoU for green hydrogen imports from India. Leading multinationals such as Siemens, Fortescue Future Industries, and TotalEnergies are also entering the Indian hydrogen space.
Challenges to Address
Despite strong momentum, challenges remain:
- Electrolyser Costs: Imported electrolysers currently raise costs. Scaling domestic production is essential.
- Water Usage: Green hydrogen requires clean water, a potential constraint in arid regions.
- Skilled Workforce: Upskilling engineers and technicians is crucial to operate this new economy.
The Modi government’s response includes launching Hydrogen Skill Councils and promoting public-private R&D consortia.
India’s Green Hydrogen Age is Here
India’s bold leap into the green hydrogen economy under Prime Minister Modi reflects visionary leadership, scientific ambition, and strategic foresight. By fusing innovation, policy, and global collaboration, India is not just catching up but leading the hydrogen race. With sustained investment, research, and international alliances, the country is poised to transform into a hydrogen superpower — one molecule at a time.
