India's Ambitious Plan for Green Hydrogen Production and Exportation
Key Ideas
  • India's National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make the country a significant producer and exporter of green hydrogen by targeting an annual output of 5mn tonnes by 2030.
  • The government is incentivizing green ammonia production for sectors such as fertilizers and aiming to add 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 to support the transition to cleaner alternatives.
  • Despite cost challenges and the current gap between grey and green hydrogen prices, advancements in technology and government support are crucial in achieving the mission's objectives.
  • Regulatory support, financial incentives, and sustained investments will be necessary to bridge the cost gap, encourage industry participation, and ensure the long-term success of green hydrogen production in India.
India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, initiated by the Union Cabinet on January 4, 2022, sets ambitious targets for green hydrogen production and exportation. The mission aims to establish India as a major player in the green hydrogen market by targeting an annual output of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. To support this goal, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced the SIGHT Programme – Component II, which provides incentives for green ammonia production, particularly for the fertiliser sector. The government's plan also includes adding approximately 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 to facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives. However, a report by Crisil Ratings highlights the cost disparity between green and grey hydrogen, which could pose challenges in meeting the mission's objectives. As of now, the cost gap stands at $1–1.5 per kg, with the levelised cost of green hydrogen needing to decrease significantly to compete with grey hydrogen. Despite these challenges, industry participants anticipate cost reductions and efficiency improvements in electrolyser technology by 2030, driven by technological advancements and scale. Government support through financial incentives and regulatory measures is crucial to manage risks and sustain investments in the green hydrogen sector. The National Green Hydrogen Mission's SIGHT scheme, with a budget of INR174.9 billion ($2 billion), offers short-term incentives for green hydrogen production. While the incentives cover a portion of the cost gap, sustained government support may be necessary beyond the planned period to enable the industry's growth. Additionally, access to affordable financing is essential for establishing large-scale green hydrogen production, which requires substantial capital investment. The mission aligns with India's focus on meeting Sustainable Development Goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Monitoring technological advancements, regulatory changes, and cost reductions will be crucial to realizing India's ambitions in green hydrogen production and exportation.
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