The National Green Hydrogen Mission has received approval from the Indian cabinet, which is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with an initial budget of 19,744 crore. The mission’s goal is to support India’s transition to energy independence and the decarbonization of key economic sectors. India intends to become a hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives, according to the mission.
The mission’s initial budget of 19,744 crore includes an expenditure of 17,490 crore for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT), 1,466 crore for pilot projects, 400 crore for research and development, and 388 crore for additional mission components. The instructions for the execution of each component will be developed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The mission will result in the following likely outcomes by 2030: development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (million metric tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country; over ₹800,000 crore in total investments; creation of over six lakh jobs; cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports of over ₹100,000 crore; and abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions, an official statement said.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission will help in decarbonisation of industrial, mobility, and energy sectors; reduction in dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock; development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities; creation of employment opportunities; and development of cutting-edge technologies.