At a recent workshop on the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Food and Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, highlighted the need to scale up India’s green hydrogen ecosystem. He outlined key priorities, including expanding manufacturing capacity, developing infrastructure, and empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to drive innovation and strengthen self-reliance. He also discussed the importance of establishing certification standards and advancing strategic initiatives under the NGHM. Edited excerpts…
India is emerging as a leader in the green hydrogen sector. With proactive support from the government, India has already entered the implementation phase through the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme, while several other countries are in the planning or preparatory stage. This early momentum has drawn global attention and placed India ahead of the curve in green hydrogen adoption.
Green hydrogen is set to become a massive global market, offering unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth. To fully capitalise on this potential, India must simultaneously scale up its manufacturing capacity. This growth will require robust infrastructure — including efficient transportation systems, advanced equipment, desalination facilities and modernised port infrastructure. Every stakeholder in the ecosystem has a crucial role to play in turning this vision into reality.
Both green hydrogen and renewable energy are poised to grow at an unprecedented scale. In this transformative journey, the role of India’s MSMEs in achieving Aatmanirbharta is vital. With over 57 million MSMEs registered across the country, employing more than 240 million people, this sector forms the backbone of the Indian economy. The objective is clear – reduce dependence on imports and bolster indigenous capabilities.
MSMEs have the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of green hydrogen technology. Their participation can extend across the entire value chain — from manufacturing specialised equipment and components to engaging in operations, engineering and innovation. There is also considerable scope for decentralised green hydrogen production, including through biomass-based pathways. Additionally, MSMEs can play a key role in attracting investments across the value chain and strengthening India’s global competitiveness.
The sector brings inherent strengths in precision manufacturing, indigenous innovation and adaptability. From producing critical components to delivering engineering solutions and pioneering new technologies, MSMEs can play a pivotal role in making green hydrogen more accessible and affordable. Equally important is the engagement of young minds in this transformative mission. The government recognises the challenges faced by the sector and remains committed to addressing them in a timely and effective manner.
In a significant step forward, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released the Green Hydrogen Standard in August 2023. Building upon this, the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme was introduced to provide a comprehensive methodology for the measurement, monitoring, reporting, on-site certification and verification of green hydrogen. This is crucial not only to establish authenticity but also to mitigate the risk of greenwashing. The defined standards and certification framework will serve as a mark of quality and credibility, making Indian green hydrogen globally desirable and export-ready. The MSME sector has a crucial role in ensuring that this certification gains wide acceptance by aligning its products and processes with global benchmarks.
India has attracted interest from several countries, particularly in Europe, and has established strategic partnerships with countries such as Japan and Singapore. With the formal launch of the certification scheme, India is well-positioned to expand its footprint in global hydrogen markets, unlocking significant export potential. Looking ahead, the country’s commitment is clear — by 2047, India envisions itself as a fully developed nation. Green hydrogen will serve as a cornerstone of this transformation, with the MSME sector emerging as one of its powerful enablers.
India’s renewable energy landscape has undergone a transformative shift over the past decade. In 2014, the country had just 2.82 GW of installed solar capacity. Since then, with consistent policy support and strategic interventions, this capacity has grown to 106 GW, positioning India as the third-largest producer of renewable energy globally. This remarkable growth is a testament to sustained policy support and strategic interventions, built upon focused efforts initiated in the 1980s and 1990s, when the MNRE began its journey.
The rapid progress of the past ten years highlights India’s immense potential. When opportunities are extended to young scientists, researchers, students, MSMEs and innovators, the results can be transformative – not just for national development, but also for global leadership. It is with this broader vision that the Government of India is now placing green hydrogen at the core of its clean energy strategy.
To support this emerging sector, a Green Hydrogen Certification Framework is being developed. The MNRE will designate an implementing agency as the nodal authority to oversee the certification process. Certifications will be issued based on verification reports from accredited agencies, ensuring transparency, credibility and standardisation in the growing green hydrogen market. As part of the NGHM, multiple strategic initiatives are being launched under the SIGHT programme. These interventions are designed to support early-stage success stories and drive adoption across sectors. Further, financial incentives and regulatory support will ensure that India maintains momentum in this vital area.
The journey of solar energy pricing in India is a powerful example. In 2012–13, solar power cost Rs 11-Rs 12 per unit. Today, that price has dropped significantly, and in Madhya Pradesh, a record low of Rs 2.15 per unit was recently achieved. This has been driven by a relentless focus on scale, skill and speed.
A similar transformation is widely anticipated for green hydrogen. However, achieving this will require active participation from stakeholders across industries, research institutions, start-ups and policy circles. The government sees this not just as a national mission but as a collaborative movement, driven by innovation, investment and coordinated effort.
Several sector-specific investments are already underway. In the steel sector, a Rs 4.50 billion pilot project is currently being implemented. In shipping, retrofitting initiatives are being supported at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, and Cochin Shipyard Limited. In the mobility sector, 37 green hydrogen vehicles and nine hydrogen refuelling stations are in the pipeline, backed by Rs 2.08 billion in financial support.
To further strengthen India’s leadership in this space, hydrogen valley innovation clusters are being established, and the National Single Window Portal for Green Hydrogen has been launched to streamline approvals. Additionally, interstate transmission system charges have been waived until 2030, removing key operational hurdles for developers.
Strategically important ports – Kandla, Paradip and Tuticorin – are being developed as green hydrogen hubs. To promote research and innovation, Rs 1.42 billion has been earmarked for research and development initiatives. These efforts reflect the fact that NGHM is not merely a policy, it is a mission infused with passion and purpose.
Stakeholder engagement remains central to this mission. Feedback, suggestions and collaboration are being actively encouraged. Government officials, including those at the ministerial level, have reaffirmed their commitment to accessibility and timely problem-solving. This inclusive approach, rooted in transparency and engagement, has already delivered tangible results in sectors such as coal and mining, where coordinated reforms have led India to achieve surplus production. That same model is now being applied to green hydrogen. As the country takes bold steps toward clean energy leadership, the National Green Hydrogen Mission presents a landmark opportunity to align economic growth with environmental sustainability. With the collective participation of all stakeholders, India can elevate this mission to new heights, transforming ambition into achievement.