Is India Set to Lead the Global Hydrogen Transition?

Click to start listening
Is India Set to Lead the Global Hydrogen Transition?

Synopsis

India is embarking on a transformative journey in the hydrogen sector, aiming for 5 million metric tonnes of production by 2030, which could save the country $150 billion in imports. Union Minister Hardeep Puri emphasizes the nation's commitment to becoming a key player in the global hydrogen market.

Key Takeaways

  • India targets 5 MMT of green hydrogen production by 2030.
  • Cost of green hydrogen has decreased to $3 per kg.
  • Public sector units to achieve a 1 MMT capacity.
  • India aims for 10% of the global hydrogen market.
  • Significant reforms have been implemented in the energy sector.

New Delhi, Sep 27 (NationPress) The hydrogen revolution in India has officially commenced, with the nation aiming for an impressive 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production annually by 2030, as stated by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday.

This ambitious target has already resulted in a decrease in the cost of green hydrogen from $3.50 per kilogram (kg) to $3 per kg, leading to a remarkable $150 billion in import savings.

According to the union minister's post on X, public sector units (PSUs) are on track to achieve a 1 MMT capacity by 2030, with tenders increasing from 42 kilo tonnes per annum (KTPA) to 170 KTPA.

Puri highlighted that India is progressing toward capturing 10 percent of the global hydrogen market under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Notably, green hydrogen projects totaling approximately 900 KTPA capacity have already been awarded to 19 companies.

In another post on X, the minister remarked that India is strategically positioned in the global energy landscape as the third-largest energy consumer, the third-largest crude importer, and the fourth-largest refiner.

With 651.8 million metric tonnes (MMT) of recoverable crude oil and 1,138.6 billion cubic meters (BCM) of recoverable natural gas, the country is prepared to unveil significant energy opportunities, Puri stated.

The government is dedicated to substantial investments, fiscal incentives, and policy simplification to stimulate upstream activities.

Puri further noted that the last decade has witnessed significant reforms, shifting from a new exploration licensing policy (NELP) to a hydrocarbon exploration and licensing policy (HELP), and transitioning from a ‘production sharing’ regime to a ‘revenue sharing’ regime, which included launching open acreage licensing policy (OALP) rounds.

The OALP Round X was the largest bidding round ever, with an area of 1.92 lakh sq km offered.

“Our endeavors have yielded substantial results. Investments totaling Rs 1.4 lakh crore in exploration and production (E&P) have catalyzed remarkable progress, with 578 wells drilled in FY25, marking ONGC’s highest in 35 years, and over 5,000 exploratory and development wells, including robust offshore programs,” the minister emphasized.

Point of View

It's clear that India is poised to make significant contributions to the global energy landscape. The government's proactive stance on reforms and investments demonstrates its commitment to becoming a leader in renewable energy, fostering sustainability, and reducing import dependencies.
NationPress
27/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is India's target for green hydrogen production by 2030?
India aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
How much has the cost of green hydrogen decreased?
The cost of green hydrogen has fallen from $3.50 per kg to $3 per kg.
What significant investments is India making in the energy sector?
India is committed to large-scale investments, fiscal incentives, and policy simplification to boost upstream activities.
How many wells have been drilled in FY25?
A total of 578 wells have been drilled in FY25, marking ONGC’s highest in 35 years.
What is the significance of the OALP Round X?
The OALP Round X was the largest bidding round ever, with an area of 1.92 lakh sq km offered.
Nation Press