India Advances Green Hydrogen with Rs 1bn Innovation Fund Breakthrough

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated the 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference in New Delhi, organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He launched a new Rs 1 billion Call for Proposals to support start-ups working on hydrogen innovations, providing up to Rs 50 million per project for pilot initiatives in hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilization technologies. The conference aimed to translate research into practical solutions that can power industries, clean cities, and generate millions of new jobs across India. The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) was launched in 2023 to transform India’s.

Energy sector and position the country as a global hub for green hydrogen. The Mission, with a total outlay of Rs 19.7 billion, is built on four pillars: Policy and Regulatory Framework, Demand Creation, R&D and Innovation, and Enabling Infrastructure. The Green Hydrogen Standard and Certification Scheme aligned with over 140 international standards, the sanctioning of five new testing facilities, and the certification of more than 5,600 trainees in hydrogen-related qualifications are already in place. The Green Hydrogen R&D programme has a budget of Rs 4 billion and is ready to collaborate with and support all stakeholders in advancing the green hydrogen ecosystem.

India has entered a decisive phase in its clean energy transformation with the announcement of a ₹1 billion Green Hydrogen Innovation Fund, a move that is expected to reshape the country’s energy ecosystem and global standing in renewable technologies. This landmark initiative comes as part of the National Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to make India a hub for green hydrogen production and export, while also fulfilling its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources like wind and solar through electrolysis, is considered the fuel of the future as it carries zero carbon emissions.

The newly established fund is designed to empower startups, research institutions, and industrial players to accelerate research, pilot projects, and commercial deployment of hydrogen-based solutions. To understand the government’s policy direction on renewable energy, one can explore the which outlines India’s strategy in depth. The importance of green hydrogen for India cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports and strengthening energy security. With a rapidly growing economy and rising industrial energy demand, India has long relied heavily on coal and oil, which contribute significantly to greenhouse.

Gas emissions. Green hydrogen presents a unique opportunity not just for environmental sustainability but also for industrial transformation, as it can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, fertilizer, and heavy transport. Unlike blue or grey hydrogen, which are produced using natural gas or coal with emissions, green hydrogen is fully clean, ensuring that its widespread use directly supports the country’s climate commitments. For global perspective on hydrogen technologies, the (Energy Agency) provides extensive analysis of how hydrogen fits into the energy transition roadmap The ₹1 billion innovation fund is structured to achieve multiple objectives.

First, it will support research and development in hydrogen-based technologies by offering financial support for prototypes, advanced electrolysers, and fuel cells. Second, it will enable pilot-scale projects in industries such as transportation, where hydrogen-powered buses and trucks can significantly cut emissions in logistics and long-distance haulage. Third, it will facilitate integration of renewable energy with hydrogen storage, ensuring stable power supply from intermittent sources like solar and wind. These interventions will create a foundation for a scalable hydrogen economy in India. For a policy perspective, the (NITI Aayog) has already published vision documents detailing how hydrogen can be integrated into India’s broader energy landscape.

The industrial impact of this fund is expected to be profound. Large sectors such as steel and fertilizers, which contribute heavily to carbon emissions, are now under increasing pressure to adopt cleaner practices. The new fund will enable these industries to test and adopt hydrogen technologies that reduce carbon intensity. Moreover, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups will also gain opportunities to innovate, leading to new business models and job creation. According to government estimates, India’s hydrogen economy could generate hundreds of thousands of jobs by 2030. This mirrors the experience of global leaders like Germany and Japan, who have invested heavily in hydrogen innovation to stay.

Ahead in the clean technology race. On the global collaboration front, initiatives from organizations like the show how partnerships between governments and private industries can accelerate hydrogen adoption worldwide Beyond industry, green hydrogen is set to play a vital role in transforming India’s transport sector. With electric mobility already making waves, hydrogen fuel cell technology will add another dimension by enabling long-haul freight and heavy-duty transport to shift away from fossil fuels. Pilot projects are expected to begin across select hydrogen corridors, where fueling infrastructure will be built to support buses, trucks, and eventually passenger vehicles.

Powered by hydrogen. This complements India’s broader clean transport initiatives, such as, both of which highlight how transport modernization is central to reducing emissions and creating sustainable cities Energy storage is another area where green hydrogen will be a game changer. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind often face the challenge of intermittency, where production peaks do not always align with demand. By using excess renewable energy to produce hydrogen, India can store clean power and utilize it when needed, ensuring a reliable grid system. This capability is critical for achieving energy independence, especially as the country moves to scale.

Up projects like which will require uninterrupted clean power. By coupling hydrogen with storage, India can address not only sustainability but also energy security, reducing reliance on costly imports The government’s roadmap for green hydrogen also includes financial incentives and policy support. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is being extended to cover renewable energy equipment manufacturing, ensuring that India builds its own capacity to produce advanced electrolysers and storage systems rather than relying solely on imports. Additionally, public-private partnerships will be encouraged, inviting global investors and domestic enterprises to collaborate in developing large-scale hydrogen projects.

The frequently shares government announcements, providing updates on how policies are evolving to support hydrogen adoption The ₹1 billion innovation fund also marks a major step in strengthening India’s global positioning in the clean energy sector. With countries like Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Chile already investing in green hydrogen export capacities, India’s entry into this field opens doors for international trade. India’s strategic geographic position and large renewable capacity make it an attractive hub for both domestic consumption and exports of hydrogen and derivatives like green ammonia. This will also contribute to reducing the global carbon footprint while generating new revenue streams for the Indian economy.

By aligning domestic innovation with global demand, India is positioning itself not just as a participant but as a leader in the green hydrogen revolution Looking ahead, the success of the fund will depend on how effectively it is implemented. Transparent allocation of resources, timely completion of pilot projects, and continuous monitoring of technological progress will be crucial to achieving desired results. Equally important is the collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies, which will ensure that research outcomes translate into scalable solutions. If executed well, India’s hydrogen ecosystem could become a template for other emerging economies seeking to balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility.

In conclusion, the launch of the ₹1 billion Green Hydrogen Innovation Fund is more than just a financial investment it represents a turning point in India’s clean energy strategy. By empowering innovators, driving industrial transformation, and attracting global partnerships, this initiative lays the groundwork for a future where India leads the world in renewable innovation. Whether in energy, industry, or transportation, green hydrogen offers a pathway to a sustainable and resilient economy. Combined with parallel initiatives in infrastructure, transport, and renewable power, this breakthrough ensures that India is not only on track to meet its climate goals but also positioned to define the future of the global energy transition.