Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches ₹100 Crore Hydrogen Innovation Scheme at 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference
Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated the 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) today in New Delhi. During the event, the Minister also launched a new ₹100 crore Call for Proposals aimed at supporting start-ups engaged in hydrogen innovation.
The scheme will offer up to ₹5 crore per project for pilot initiatives focused on innovative hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilisation technologies. At the conference, 25 start-ups are showcasing cutting-edge solutions ranging from electrolyser manufacturing to AI-driven optimisation and biological hydrogen production methods.
Addressing researchers, industry leaders, start-ups, and policymakers, Shri Joshi emphasised the importance of translating research into practical applications that can power industries, clean urban environments, and create millions of jobs across the country. He reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, under whose leadership the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) was launched in 2023 to reshape India’s energy landscape and establish the country as a global hub for green hydrogen.
With an overall investment of ₹19,744 crore, the NGHM is built on four pillars: Policy and Regulatory Framework, Demand Creation, Research & Development and Innovation, and Enabling Infrastructure.
R&D Achievements Under NGHM
Highlighting the progress made so far, the Minister noted that the dedicated R&D scheme has already funded 23 projects under its first round of proposals. These projects cover key areas such as safety and integration, hydrogen production from biomass, hydrogen applications, and non-biomass production pathways. Prestigious institutions including IITs, IISERs, CSIR labs, and private sector partners are actively implementing these initiatives. The second round of proposals, launched on 14 July 2025, will remain open until 15 September 2025. International collaboration is also on the rise, with over 30 joint proposals on hydrogen production from waste being received under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council framework.
From Vision to Implementation
Shri Joshi underlined that India’s green hydrogen ecosystem is progressing from conceptual discussions to tangible actions. Key milestones include:
Launch of the first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tamil Nadu
Five pilot projects in the steel sector for hydrogen-based decarbonisation
Retrofitting of vessels and development of refuelling facilities at Tuticorin Port
Operational hydrogen buses and refuelling stations in the transport sector
First-ever green ammonia auction at a record low price of ₹49.75 per kg at Paradeep Phosphates, Odisha
The Minister also highlighted critical enablers in place, including the Green Hydrogen Standard and Certification Scheme aligned with over 140 international standards, the establishment of five new testing facilities, certification of more than 5,600 trainees in hydrogen-related qualifications, and regulatory exemptions such as transmission charge waivers and streamlined approvals. Dedicated hydrogen hubs are being set up at Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin ports to bolster India’s export potential.
Investments are flowing from both large enterprises such as NTPC, Reliance, and IOCL, as well as start-ups and MSMEs, creating a robust hydrogen value chain and generating lakhs of jobs.
National Targets for 2030
Shri Joshi reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving:
5 million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen production
125 GW of additional renewable energy capacity
₹8 lakh crore in investments
6 lakh new jobs
50 million tonnes of CO₂ reduction annually
The Minister also inaugurated the start-up exhibition, which is part of the two-day conference being held from 11–12 September 2025.
Expert Views on Innovation and Collaboration
During the inaugural session, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, stressed the critical role of research and development in solving complex challenges and driving economic growth. “R&D is not optional, but essential,” he said, highlighting the need for sustained innovation to build a robust green hydrogen ecosystem.
MNRE Secretary Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi shared that the Green Hydrogen R&D programme has a budgetary allocation of ₹400 crore and reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to advance the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Dr. Abhay Bhakre, Mission Director of the NGHM, stated that “India stands at the threshold of becoming a global leader in green hydrogen.”
The conference will feature expert sessions, interactive roundtables, and a Start-up Expo aimed at accelerating India’s transition to a clean and sustainable energy future.