At the CII International Business Conclave on Green Hydrogen in New Delhi, Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, highlighted India’s ambitions and actions toward a cleaner, greener energy future. Speaking before a gathering of policy-makers, business leaders, and global experts, he framed green hydrogen not simply as a new energy vector, but as a defining element of India’s sustainable growth model.
He began by underlining the significance of the occasion, calling the conclave “a pivotal platform that brings together stakeholders from across the spectrum to advance our shared vision of a low-carbon, sustainable future.” Welcoming delegates from across governments, industries, and academia, he reaffirmed India’s intent to lead by example: “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India today stands at the forefront of the global clean energy transition.”
The Minister described green hydrogen as a strategic cornerstone in India’s energy policy—a fuel that intersects energy security, economic growth, and climate responsibility. “As the world pivots toward a low-carbon economy,” he said, “green hydrogen is emerging as a cornerstone of our collective efforts to secure energy independence, build economic resilience, and ensure environmental sustainability.”
Central to India’s efforts is the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to make the country a global hub for production, innovation, and trade in this transformative energy source. He noted that the government is building an entire ecosystem, offering production incentives, supporting domestic electrolyser manufacturing, encouraging pilot projects, and stimulating demand across sectors like refining and fertilisers.
“Our goal is to leverage the immense potential of green hydrogen to transform our energy systems while systematically addressing the critical challenges across its entire value chain,” Shri Naik emphasised. He noted its importance in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, shipping, and long-haul transportation. “Green hydrogen can bolster energy security, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and enhance industrial competitiveness.”
To this end, tenders have already been issued for 42,000 metric tonnes of green hydrogen and over 720,000 metric tonnes of green ammonia annually. These steps are not just milestones—they are signals of India’s deep commitment to embedding green hydrogen into its industrial base.
The Minister also underlined the role of international partnerships in making this vision a reality. “We are actively engaging with key global partners—including the European Union, Japan, Singapore, Germany, and the Netherlands—to develop offtake agreements, certification frameworks, and shared infrastructure.” The proposed Rotterdam–India–Singapore Green Energy Corridor was cited as a prime example of collaborative potential in clean shipping and logistics.
In terms of real-world deployment, pilot projects are already underway, with 37 hydrogen-fueled vehicles operational and supported by nine refuelling stations. A green methanol bunkering facility with a 750-cubic-meter capacity is being developed at the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority to advance maritime applications.
However, Shri Naik did not overlook the existing roadblocks. “Infrastructure development, cost parity, reliable demand forecasting, and regulatory clarity are key areas that require coordinated, sustained efforts,” he said. Addressing issues such as price visibility, cost pass-through, and technological scalability will be essential, and the government is keen to work with all stakeholders to resolve them.
He also called attention to the potential of decentralised green hydrogen production. “India’s extensive MSME base and diverse industrial clusters present an opportunity for distributed production models that can stimulate local demand and fuel bottom-up economic growth.” Regional green hydrogen corridors, coupled with supportive state-level policies, will be critical in ensuring that the transition is equitable and accessible.
Importantly, Shri Naik grounded this energy shift in a human-centred approach. “This transition is fundamentally about people,” he declared. “As we decarbonise and modernise, we must also uplift and include. A just and equitable energy transition means that opportunities must reach all across geographies, genders, and generations.”
He urged Indian industry to invest in R&D, infrastructure, and workforce development, while inviting international companies and financial institutions to partner with India in this transformative journey. “Let this platform serve as a catalyst to move from intent to action, from planning to implementation, and from dialogue to enduring partnerships,” he said.
Echoing one of his most resonant lines, he reminded the audience: “If we focus on cost reduction and make green hydrogen competitive, offtake will take care of itself. It will sustain itself in the long term.”
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