Will India Achieve 5 Million Metric Tonnes of Green Hydrogen Capacity by 2030?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) India's capacity for producing green hydrogen is expected to hit 5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030, as disclosed in Parliament on Tuesday. The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) seeks to position India as a leading center for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives, stated Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.
The minister elaborated on the various incentives and manufacturing initiatives under the NGHM aimed at lowering the cost of green hydrogen.
As part of the electrolyser manufacturing incentive program, 15 companies have been granted a collective manufacturing capacity of 3,000 MW annually, alongside incentives totaling Rs 4,440 crore. For green hydrogen production, 18 companies have been awarded a combined production capacity of 862,000 tonnes per annum.
Additionally, two companies have received incentives for producing 20,000 tonnes annually for refineries, as the minister noted.
To further decrease costs, there are exemptions from interstate transmission system charges for 25 years for plants that are operational on or before December 31, 2030, according to an official statement.
Moreover, duty benefits have been authorized under Section 26 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, for both the installation and operation and maintenance (O&M) of renewable energy equipment solely for the captive consumption of the unit.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is also backing a research and development initiative named 'Scale‑up of Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells (Phase‑I)' with a total investment of Rs. 83.19 crore to enhance and indigenize perovskite tandem solar cell technology.
Naik mentioned last month that India is on a steady path towards achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and aims for net-zero emissions by 2070.
The minister emphasized the transition of the National Green Hydrogen Mission from planning to execution, which includes incentive initiatives valued at Rs 17,000 crore and projects authorized for 3,000 MW per annum of domestic electrolyser manufacturing and 862,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production.