In January 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore with an aim to make India a global hub for manufacturing this clean source of energy
The deadline for submitting bids for green hydrogen and electrolyser manufacturing projects under the government's SIGHT Scheme is December 12, as informed to Parliament.
In January 2023, the Union Cabinet sanctioned the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) with a budget of Rs 19,744 crore, aiming to position India as a global manufacturing hub for this eco-friendly energy source.
The mission envisions the development of 5 million metric tonnes per year of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, according to R. K. Singh, the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, as stated in Lok Sabha.
The Request for Selection (RfS) was issued on July 10, 2023, for green hydrogen producers to establish production facilities for 4,50,000 tonnes of green hydrogen in India under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme (Mode-1-Tranche-I). The deadline for bid submissions is December 12, 2023.
Singh added that the same date is the deadline for bids related to the selection of electrolyser manufacturers for establishing 1.5 GW annual electrolyser manufacturing capacities under the SIGHT Scheme (Tranche-I), as issued on July 7, 2023.
The overarching goal of the mission is to position India as a global hub for the production, utilisation, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. It is expected to foster international collaboration in the hydrogen and fuel cell sectors.
Singh highlighted the strategic collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia, as reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 8, 2023. The MoU covers areas such as electrical interconnection, green/clean hydrogen, and supply chains, presenting a mutually beneficial opportunity for both nations to leverage each other's capabilities and promote the growth of the Green Hydrogen ecosystem within their borders.
In support of these initiatives, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration affirmed the 'G20 High Level Voluntary Principles on Hydrogen' to establish a sustainable and equitable global hydrogen ecosystem. The Declaration emphasises free and fair hydrogen trade in line with WTO rules and advocates for resilient and diversified supply chains.
Additionally, Singh shared that the NGHM provides for the establishment of two green hydrogen hubs in its initial phase. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has identified three major ports—Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin) Ports—to be developed as hydrogen hubs.