Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, today stated that India is striving to become a global leader in green hydrogen production and utilization. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of India’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered truck trials in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted the transformative vision behind the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and the country’s strides towards energy independence.
National Green Hydrogen Mission and India’s Progress
Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi emphasized that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has positioned itself at the forefront of the global green energy transition. With an allocation of ₹19,744 crore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to establish India as a key player in hydrogen production, storage, and application across various sectors. He noted that India has already made remarkable progress, awarding 4,12,000 TPA of Green Hydrogen production and approving 3 GW of electrolyser manufacturing capacity per annum. Additionally, seven pilot projects have been launched across transportation, shipping, steel, and storage, alongside the publication of 88 standards to ensure safety and scalability.
India’s Ambitious 2030 Targets
Looking ahead, the Minister outlined India’s ambitious 2030 targets, which include:
- Producing 5 million metric tons (MMT) of Green Hydrogen annually.
- Installing 60-100 GW of electrolyser capacity.
- Adding 125 GW of renewable energy capacity dedicated to hydrogen production.
These initiatives are expected to help reduce 50 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually, save ₹1 lakh crore in imports, and attract investments worth ₹8 lakh crore.
Hydrogen-Powered Truck Trials: A Landmark Initiative
Shri Joshi described the launch of hydrogen-powered truck trials as a radical shift in India’s mobility sector, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. He noted that India is the third-largest oil consumer and fourth-largest crude oil importer, and hydrogen technology will play a key role in reducing this reliance. The first batch of three hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks will operate on the Faridabad–Delhi NCR and Ahmedabad–Surat–Vadodara routes. To support this transition, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is establishing hydrogen refueling stations in Faridabad, Vadodara, Pune, and Balasore.
Role of Leadership and Industry Collaboration
The Minister also lauded the contributions of Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, whose leadership in promoting hydrogen-powered mobility has driven innovation in the sector. He called upon all stakeholders to support the green energy revolution and emphasized that hydrogen will play a crucial role in shaping India’s energy future. He urged industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to collaborate in making this vision a reality.
With these efforts, India is poised to emerge as a global hub for green hydrogen, driving sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring energy security for future generations.