In a major stride toward clean energy leadership, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri declared on Wednesday that India’s Hydrogen Age has officially begun. The country has set a bold target of producing 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030 — a figure that would account for 10% of the global hydrogen market.
The announcement signals a pivotal shift in India’s energy strategy, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change while reducing the nation’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Driving Down Costs to Drive Adoption
Speaking about the economics of the transition, Puri emphasized that green hydrogen prices are expected to drop below $3 per kg, from the current $3.5 per kg. At a projected price of $2.5 per kg, India stands to offset energy imports worth $150 billion, drastically reducing its energy import bill.
“If prices come down, India can adopt green hydrogen on a much larger scale, which will help reduce our import dependence. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Bharat is building a trusted hydrogen hub — fuelling growth, exports, and a cleaner future,” Puri stated.
Scaling Up Production and Infrastructure
To support this energy transition, the government is rolling out substantial capacity. An initial 42,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of green hydrogen production has been tendered, with plans to scale this up to 170,000 TPA, and ultimately to 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
In the pilot phase, the country will also launch 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles and establish nine hydrogen refuelling stations, paving the way for cleaner transportation alternatives.
Industry Participation and Investment
The green hydrogen ecosystem is already drawing significant corporate interest. As many as 19 companies have been awarded a combined capacity of 9 lakh TPA, indicating strong industrial support for the government’s vision.
Public sector energy giant NTPC is leading the way with the development of a Green Hydrogen Hub Project in Pudimadaka, near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The project — to be executed by NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) — will be India’s first green hydrogen hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. With an estimated investment of Rs 1.85 lakh crore, the hub is a cornerstone in India’s roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions.
National Green Hydrogen Mission: A Strategic Roadmap
Launched on January 4, 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission comes with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore extending to FY 2029–30. The mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, technology, and exports, while significantly reducing the carbon intensity of the Indian economy.
By focusing on renewable hydrogen, the mission aspires not only to ensure energy self-reliance but also to lead the world in the clean energy transition.
Conclusion
India’s entry into the Hydrogen Age marks a transformative chapter in its energy journey. With strategic investments, supportive policy frameworks, and global partnerships, the country is positioning itself as a major player in the clean energy revolution — one kilogram of green hydrogen at a time.
