India’s Green Hydrogen Push: A Model for Clean Energy Transition?
In 2025, India is emerging as a global leader in the development and deployment of green hydrogen—a clean fuel that produces zero carbon emissions. With ambitious government policies, international partnerships, and large-scale infrastructure investments, India’s green hydrogen strategy is quickly becoming a blueprint for other developing countries seeking to transition to clean energy.
This article explores how India is leading the green hydrogen race, what challenges lie ahead, and why the world is watching closely.
What Is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is hydrogen fuel produced by using renewable energy (like solar or wind power) to electrolyze water—splitting it into hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, which involve fossil fuels, green hydrogen is completely carbon-free.
It’s considered a game-changing solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like:
- Steel and cement manufacturing
- Long-distance transportation (trucks, ships, and even aircraft)
- Energy storage for renewable grids
India’s National Hydrogen Mission
India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 with the goal of making the country a global hub for hydrogen production, usage, and export. Backed by an investment of over ₹19,000 crore (~$2.3 billion USD), the mission aims to:
- Produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030
- Add 125 GW of renewable energy capacity
- Create over 600,000 jobs
- Reduce fossil fuel imports and boost energy security
This plan aligns with India’s broader commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2070.
Major Projects and Industry Leaders
Several large-scale green hydrogen projects are already underway in India:
- Reliance Industries is building one of the world’s largest green energy complexes in Gujarat, including electrolyzer manufacturing.
- Adani Group plans to invest $50 billion over 10 years in green hydrogen.
- Indian Oil Corporation is piloting green hydrogen at its refineries.
- NTPC and GAIL are testing hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines.
These initiatives are supported by public-private partnerships and international collaborations with countries like Germany, Japan, and the UAE.
Why the World Is Watching
India’s green hydrogen efforts are significant for several reasons:
1. Scale and Speed
With a vast population and fast-growing economy, India can demonstrate how a developing country can scale up clean energy without compromising growth.
2. Cost Efficiency
India’s abundance of solar and wind resources gives it a natural advantage in producing green hydrogen at a lower cost, potentially reaching below $1 per kg in the coming years.
3. Export Opportunities
India plans to become a major exporter of green hydrogen to countries like Japan and Europe, which are seeking clean fuel imports to meet climate goals.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the momentum, India’s green hydrogen transition is not without hurdles:
- High initial costs of electrolyzers and infrastructure
- Lack of skilled workforce and training programs
- Need for robust policy frameworks and regulations
- Water consumption concerns in a water-stressed nation
To address these issues, the government is offering subsidies, R&D support, and encouraging foreign direct investment in the green hydrogen sector.
What’s Next?
Over the next 5 years, India aims to:
- Launch hydrogen-powered buses and trucks in public transport
- Develop hydrogen corridors for freight and industrial use
- Blend hydrogen in existing pipelines
- Expand domestic electrolyzer production
India is also working with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote hydrogen technologies in other developing countries across Asia and Africa.
Final Thoughts
India’s green hydrogen push is more than just a national policy—it’s a global signal that the clean energy revolution is no longer limited to wealthy nations. By leveraging innovation, public-private partnerships, and sustainable policy, India is setting a powerful example of how developing economies can lead in the fight against climate change.
If successful, India’s green hydrogen model could be the blueprint for a cleaner, greener, and more energy-secure world.
