February 2024: The Government of India has come out with guidelines for undertaking pilot projects for using green hydrogen in the steel sector. The guidelines, named “Scheme Guidelines for implementation of Pilot projects for use of Green Hydrogen in the Steel Sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission”, were issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on 2 February 2024.
Source: Government issues Pilot Project Guidelines for utilizing Green Hydrogen in Steel Sector
January 2024: The results of India’s first auctions for green hydrogen and electrolyser subsidies have been published.
Source: Winners of India's First Green Hydrogen and Electrolyser Subsidy Auctions
October 2023: On 8 October 2023, India and Saudi Arabia signed and MoU which aims to establish a general framework for cooperation between the two countries in the field of electrical interconnection; exchange of electricity during peak times and emergencies; co-development of projects; co-production of green / clean hydrogen and renewable energy; and also establishing secure, reliable and resilient supply chains of materials used in green / clean hydrogen and the renewable energy sector.
Source: India and Saudi Arabia sign MoU on Green/Clean Hydrogen
August 2023: The Indian government has notified the Green Hydrogen Standard for India. The standard outlines the emission thresholds that must be met for hydrogen produced to be classified as "green": not greater than 2 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of hydrogen taken as an average over the last 12 month period. It encompasses both electrolysis-based and biomass-based hydrogen production methods.
Sources:
India announces definition of Green Hydrogen
Green Hydrogen Standard for India
June 2023: In line with the Government of India's Green Hydrogen Mission initiative, the Government of Gujarat ("GoG") on 8 May 2023 issued a 'Policy on leasing of government waste land for green hydrogen production (using non-conventional energy sources) ("Policy"). GoG has issued this Policy with the main objective of incentivizing/promoting setting up of green hydrogen manufacturing units in Gujarat, which would promote new technologies and methods for production of green hydrogen.
Source: India: Gujarat Government Issues Policy On Land Allotment For Green Hydrogen Production
May 2023: In a major decision, the Government has decided to grant waiver of ISTS charges to Off-Shore Wind Projects and extend the waiver to Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia. This decision has been taken to facilitate wider execution of offshore wind energy initiatives, to promote the expansion of Green Hydrogen / Green Ammonia Projects and to encourage the offtake of renewable energy from Energy Storage System Projects.
March 2023: In line with the ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’, the Indian Army has put in motion the process for installation of a Green Hydrogen based Micro Grid Power Plant project in the forward areas along the Northern borders which are not connected by National / State Grid. An MoU was accordingly signed between Indian Army and National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) on 21 March 2023 at Sena Bhawan, New Delhi.
Source: Indian Army takes lead in promoting the National Green Hydrogen Mission
January 2023: India has set its sight on becoming energy independent by 2047 and achieving Net Zero by 2070. To achieve this target, increasing renewable energy use across all economic spheres is central to India's Energy Transition. Green Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative for enabling this transition. Hydrogen can be utilized for long-duration storage of renewable energy, replacement of fossil fuels in industry, clean transportation, and potentially decentralized power generation, aviation, and marine transport. The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet on 4 January 2023.
This hydrogen mission is intended to make India a leading producer and supplier of Green Hydrogen, create export opportunities for Green Hydrogen, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock, develop indigenous manufacturing capabilities, attract investment and business opportunities, create employment and economic development opportunities, and support R&D projects.
Sources:
National Green Hydrogen Mission
Press Information Bureau
December 2022: On Wednesday, 4 January 2023, the Indian government announced its approval of 2.3 billion to support the production, use and exports of green hydrogen. This funding support is the first step toward establishing the capacity to make up to five million metric tons of green hydrogen by the end of this decade.
Source: India Approves 2.3 Billion for Green Hydrogen
June 2022: The Ministry of Coal has adopted an Action Plan for 2022 to 2023. The Action Plan covers areas for steering the coal sector into new technologies while continuing to focus on increasing production targets. The Action Plan includes the development of a roadmap for the production and usage of hydrogen produced from coal.
Sources:
Ministry of Coal Action Plan for 2022 to 2023
Roadmap for Coal to Hydrogen Production
February 2022: The Ministry of Power announced a green hydrogen and ammonia policy on 17 February 2022 which envisions these fuels as the future fuels to replace fossil fuels. As part of this policy, the Government of India is taking measures to facilitate the transition from fossil fuel to green hydrogen and green ammonia.
Source: Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia Policy Announced
February 2022: On 9 February 2022, India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MRTH) authorized the use of hydrogen as an automotive fuel in the country. The specifications for internal combustion engines provide for an 18% blend of hydrogen with condensed natural gas (CNG).
Source: Hydrogen Fuel for Vehicles in India
November 2019: In response to criticism by the Supreme Court of India regarding the air pollution problems in New Delhi and northern India, the Solicitor General of India informed the court that the government is making progress, including exploring hydrogen-based technology being developed in Japan. The court directed the government to update the court in early December.
Sources:
India says it plans to use hydrogen-based fuel to tackle air crisis
Order of the Supreme Court regarding air pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas
Severe Problem Being Faced By The Citizens In Delhi And Adjoining Areas Due To Acute Air Pollution