At the recently held CII International Business Conclave on Green Hydrogen, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), addressed an audience filled with policymakers, industry stalwarts, and clean energy advocates. In what he described as a “room full of believers,” Sarangi gave an overview of India’s commitment to establishing itself as a global leader in green hydrogen, underscoring the transformational potential of the sector.
“I consider myself fortunate to serve in a ministry where every initiative, every policy, and every action is aligned with a cleaner and more sustainable future,” he said, striking a personal note while opening his remarks.
The Secretary highlighted that India’s transition to clean energy is not only desirable but inevitable, and green hydrogen, in his words, will be “a transformational pillar in the global clean energy ecosystem.” However, he was quick to add that such a shift requires foundational groundwork. For any innovation to scale, particularly in a market-oriented system, visibility and viability are essential. “Market viability is the foremost requirement,” he stated. “And while there have been temporary global setbacks—such as the delay in the US Inflation Reduction Act—I believe the fundamentals remain strong.”
Reassuring the audience of India’s steady resolve, Sarangi reaffirmed the government’s role as a key enabler of this transformation. “The Government’s responsibility is fourfold—regulation, incentives, standards, and collaboration,” he explained, laying out a policy vision that blends ambition with pragmatism.
Turning to the implementation side, Sarangi detailed how India’s Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, has already begun to deliver results across the value chain. In electrolyser manufacturing, for instance, the original target of 3 GW has been surpassed with major players like AM Green and L&T entering the fray.
On the production front, tenders for nearly 8 lakh metric tonnes of green hydrogen have seen enthusiastic bidding. The momentum continues with active efforts to establish secure offtake markets. A current tender, led by the Ministry of Fertilisers and SECI, seeks to procure 7 lakh metric tonnes of green hydrogen-based ammonia, aimed at ensuring demand stability in critical industrial sectors.
Sarangi also shared progress on pilot projects that are exploring green hydrogen use in sectors traditionally resistant to decarbonisation. “We are funding hydrogen fuel cell buses in five locations, including Leh-Ladakh, to test their operational viability,” he noted.
In the steel sector, pilot studies are underway to assess the substitution of coking coal with green hydrogen in both blast furnace and DRI processes. Meanwhile, in the maritime domain, the Ministry is supporting the retrofitting of two ships to run on methanol, paving the way for green hydrogen derivatives in shipping.
Additionally, infrastructure is being developed to handle green ammonia at key ports like Kandla and Tuticorin—steps that ensure logistics won’t become a bottleneck for growth.
Acknowledging the global nature of energy markets, Sarangi highlighted the importance of harmonising India’s standards with international benchmarks. The Ministry recently introduced a stringent definition of green hydrogen, capping CO₂ emissions during production at 2 kg per kg of hydrogen. “This standard actually matches—or even overtakes—the best in the world,” he stated proudly.
Over 100 supporting standards are in development, aimed at reinforcing traceability and transparency throughout the value chain. The goal is clear: ensure products like green steel and ammonia are internationally recognised, certified, and export-ready.
International cooperation remains central to India’s strategy. “We are in active discussions with Europe, Japan, Korea, and ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp,” said Sarangi. These partnerships aim to establish track-and-trace systems that can confirm whether green hydrogen was used in the creation of downstream products.
Sarangi also encapsulated the government’s vision: “India is open for green business. We will continue working closely with domestic industry and international partners to realise the shared vision of a clean energy future—where India is not just a participant, but a leader.”
The momentum around green hydrogen is real, and the building blocks—policy, market engagement, technological readiness, and global cooperation—are falling into place. India’s green hydrogen journey, while nascent, is gathering speed. And if the government’s current pace continues, it may well position India as one of the foremost clean energy hubs of the 21st century.
Leave a Reply