Green Hydrogen Production Support Scheme

The Union government has introduced a Rs 100-crore initiative aimed at assisting startups focused on green hydrogen production. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the scheme will allocate up to Rs 5 crore for each project, which encompasses pilot projects in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilisation technologies.

Innovations Showcased by Startups

At a two-day conference commencing on Thursday, 25 startups are presenting their innovative solutions, which include advancements in electrolyser manufacturing, AI-led optimisation, and biological hydrogen solutions. Joshi mentioned that this initiative’s goal is to transform research into tangible solutions that can energise industries, purify urban environments, and generate millions of job opportunities across India.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), which was launched in 2023 with the objective of establishing India as a global centre for green hydrogen. The NGHM, with a financial allocation of Rs 19,744 crore, is built upon four foundational pillars: Policy and Regulatory Framework, Demand Creation, Research and Development, and Enabling Infrastructure.

Research and Development Initiatives

The dedicated R&D programme under NGHM has already granted approval to 23 projects focusing on critical areas such as safety, hydrogen production from biomass, and various applications of hydrogen. Leading institutions like IITs, IISERs, CSIR labs, and industry partners are taking charge of implementing these projects. The second round of R&D proposals, initiated on July 14, will be open for submissions until September 15.

International Collaborations

International partnerships are also on the rise under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, with over 30 joint proposals addressing hydrogen production from wastewater already received.