National Missions
The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Government of India in January 2023 and spearheaded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), represents a landmark initiative aimed at establishing India as a global leader in the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. As part of India’s broader vision of achieving energy independence by 2047 and Net Zero emissions by 2070, the Mission plays a critical role in transitioning the country towards a low-carbon, sustainable economy. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources through water electrolysis, offers a clean, versatile fuel alternative that can significantly decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as refining, fertilizer, steel, cement, mobility, and power.
The Mission outlines an ambitious set of targets to be achieved by the year 2030. These include the development of at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual green hydrogen production capacity, the addition of about 125 GW of renewable energy capacity, the mobilization of over ₹8 lakh crore in investments, the creation of over 6 lakh jobs, and the cumulative reduction of fossil fuel imports worth more than ₹1 lakh crore. Furthermore, the Mission aims to abate nearly 50 MMT of greenhouse gas emissions per year, contributing significantly to global climate mitigation efforts.
A strong research and development (R&D) thrust forms another critical pillar of the Mission. It encourages innovation in areas such as the efficient production of hydrogen from renewable energy, cost-effective storage solutions, and its utilization through combustion or fuel cells in various applications. The government is also working towards establishing a robust and enabling policy and regulatory framework that includes the waiver of interstate transmission charges for renewable energy used in hydrogen production, facilitation of grid connectivity, and renewable energy banking.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission also has a strong export-oriented focus. India aspires to capture around 10% of the global green hydrogen market, with plans to export up to 10 MMT of green hydrogen or its derivatives annually by 2030, contributing to global decarbonization while opening new avenues for economic growth.