The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MARCH 4, 2025
India is set to emerge as a global leader in green hydrogen production and utilization, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced on Tuesday. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the country’s first hydrogen-powered truck trials in New Delhi, the Minister underscored the transformative vision behind the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and its role in achieving energy independence.
Joshi highlighted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has positioned itself at the forefront of the worldwide green energy transition. With an investment of ₹19,744 crore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to establish India as a hub for hydrogen production, storage, and utilization across multiple sectors. The country has already made remarkable strides, having awarded 4,12,000 TPA of Green Hydrogen production and approved 3 GW of annual electrolyser manufacturing capacity. Additionally, seven pilot projects spanning transportation, shipping, steel, and energy storage have been initiated, with 88 safety and scalability standards already published.
Outlining India’s ambitious targets for 2030, Joshi announced plans to produce 5 million metric tons (MMT) of Green Hydrogen annually, establish 60-100 GW of electrolyser capacity, and add 125 GW of renewable energy dedicated to hydrogen production. These initiatives are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions—by 50 million metric tons per year—while saving ₹1 lakh crore in imports and attracting investments worth ₹8 lakh crore.
The launch of hydrogen-powered truck trials marks a major shift in India’s mobility sector, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. As the world’s third-largest oil consumer and fourth-largest crude oil importer, India aims to leverage hydrogen technology to cut down on fuel reliance. The inaugural fleet of three hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks will operate on the Faridabad–Delhi NCR and Ahmedabad–Surat–Vadodara routes. Supporting this transition, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is establishing hydrogen refueling stations in Faridabad, Vadodara, Pune, and Balasore.
Joshi also acknowledged the instrumental role played by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in championing hydrogen-powered mobility, which has fueled innovation in the sector. He called upon industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to join forces in making India’s green energy revolution a reality, emphasizing that hydrogen will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy future.
