India's Hydrogen Ambitions: Powering the Future with Green Fuel

by Peregrine Bush, Director of Data and Tech, Global Energy Infrastructure

India, the world's third-largest energy consumer, has set its sights on a clean energy revolution with a focus on hydrogen. The nation launched the ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023, aiming to become a global leader in the production, utilization, and export of this clean fuel. This mission, alongside numerous ongoing projects, paints a promising picture for hydrogen's future in India. 

Fuelling the mission

The National Green Hydrogen Mission amassed a budget of $2.37b, targeting 5mt of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, with potential to reach 10mt depending on export markets. The mission focuses on four key areas:

• Strategic interventions for green hydrogen transition: This program provides financial incentives for green hydrogen production, aiming to reduce its cost and enhance its competitiveness.
• Pilot projects: Demonstration projects showcase the feasibility and effectiveness of hydrogen across various sectors, from transportation to refineries.
• Research and development: Accelerating advancements in electrolyzer technology, storage solutions, and hydrogen blending are crucial for cost reduction and widespread adoption.
• Building an enabling ecosystem: This includes policy measures, skill development, and infrastructure creation to support the hydrogen value chain.

Projects leading the charge

Global Energy Infrastructure (GEI) hydrogen database identified several projects that are already underway:

• Kochi Green Hydrogen (KGH2) – The first phase of the proposed KGH2 Hub will include a 150MW electrolyzer and produce 60t/d of hydrogen, with the expectation for future scale-up to gigawatt capacity. The hub, modelled on ‘hydrogen valley’ projects in the EU, will also establish production, storage, transmission and end-use infrastructure for hydrogen in compressed gas and liquefied form within a 50km range around Kochi. Planned for 2028.
• GAIL Vijaipur Green Hydrogen Project – The project goal is to install a 10MW electrolyzer and construct the plant in one year at existing facilities in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh. It intends to produce 4.5t/d of green hydrogen using proton-exchange-membrane technology and use it to enhance GAIL’s natural gas operations. Under construction for 2024.
• Reliance Industries (RIL) New Energy Giga Complex – RIL and the Gujarat government signed a memorandum of understanding for a total investment of more than $10b. It plans to construct a renewable energy power plant with a capacity of 100GW as well as a green hydrogen ecosystem in Gujarat. It has requested more than 5,000 acres in Jamnagar, which is on the Gulf of Kutch. This expansive project is planned for around 2024/2025.

RIL New Energy Giga Complex

• National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ladakh Green Hydrogen Mobility Project – The project is a pioneering initiative to establish a hydrogen ecosystem in Ladakh, India. Its goal is to decarbonize the region's transportation sector and promote sustainable mobility solutions. Led by NTPC, a state-owned energy conglomerate in India, the project encompasses hydrogen production, distribution, and utilization infrastructure, along with the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The first hydrogen powered buses started operating in August 2023. 

Challenges and opportunities

GEI has identified 49 hydrogen projects in India, which continues to expand. As of February 2024, 73% are green hydrogen projects with 4% blue, 10% grey, and 12% others. India already has 16 projects operating with the remainder under construction, planned, or proposed.

While India's hydrogen ambitions are bold, challenges remain. Cost reduction is critical, requiring advancements in technology and infrastructure. Additionally, building a skilled workforce and creating a robust hydrogen ecosystem are crucial.

India's foray into the hydrogen space is marked by ambitious plans and positive projects. With continued government support, private sector partnerships, and technological advancements, hydrogen has the potential to transform India's energy landscape, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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