India’s Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has launched a Rs 100 crore Call for Proposals to support start-ups in hydrogen innovation, offering up to Rs 5 crore per project for pilot initiatives in hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilisation technologies. At the launch conference, 25 start-ups showcased innovations ranging from electrolyser manufacturing to AI-driven optimisation and biological hydrogen solutions, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering a vibrant green hydrogen ecosystem.
The initiative aims to translate research into practical solutions that can power industries, clean cities, and generate lakhs of new jobs across the country. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in 2023, the dedicated R&D scheme has already supported 23 projects in areas including Safety and Integration, Hydrogen Production from Biomass, Hydrogen Applications, and Non-Biomass Hydrogen Production. The second round of proposals is open until 15 September 2025, and international collaborations are expanding through the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, with over 30 joint proposals for hydrogen production from waste.
India is advancing from vision to action with several pilot projects, including the first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu and hydrogen-based decarbonisation projects in the steel sector. Hydrogen buses and refuelling stations are already operational, and India conducted its first-ever green ammonia auction in 2024, achieving a historic low price of Rs 49.75 per kg. Regulatory frameworks, including the Green Hydrogen Standard and Certification Scheme aligned with over 140 international standards, support these initiatives, while dedicated hydrogen hubs at Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin Ports enhance export competitiveness. Large enterprises, start-ups, and MSMEs are investing heavily, strengthening the value chain and creating significant employment opportunities.
The NGHM targets producing five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, establishing 125 GW of new renewable capacity, attracting Rs 8 lakh crore in investments, generating six lakh new jobs, and reducing 50 million tonnes of CO₂ per year. Experts at the conference emphasized the importance of sustained R&D and innovation in building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem. India’s first Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference 2025, held on 11-12 September, featured expert sessions, interactive roundtables, and a Start-up Expo showcasing pioneering companies driving the country’s green energy revolution.
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