Can Hydrogen at $1 per kg Make India an Energy Exporter?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Could India's ambition to lower hydrogen prices to $1 per kg transform it into a clean energy exporter? Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlights the potential for energy independence and leadership in renewable energy while stressing the importance of rural development. Discover the insights shared during the recent Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture.
Key Takeaways
- India aims to reduce hydrogen costs to $1 per kg.
- Hydrogen could make India a global clean energy exporter.
- Rural empowerment is key to India's energy strategy.
- India targets 10% of global green hydrogen demand by 2030.
- Significant investments in electrolyser manufacturing are underway.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Currently, hydrogen is priced at approximately $5 per kilogram, but if India can reduce this cost to $1 per kilogram, we could not only attain energy independence but also emerge as a global leader in clean energy exports, stated Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.
Emphasizing India’s role in renewable energy, Gadkari remarked that solar energy serves as the ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ for our planet, while hydrogen represents the energy of the future.
“I drive a Toyota Mirai, which translates to ‘future’ in Japanese, as I am confident that hydrogen will revolutionize both mobility and energy,” he added.
During the 24th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture, organized by the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the minister expressed that real advancement lies in empowering “our villages to surpass our cities.”
“With 80 percent of the population still involved in agriculture, we need to diversify our focus towards energy and power, invest in water conservation, and leverage technologies like AI for rural development. Water, land, and forests must be the pillars of our growth strategy,” he stated.
He further asserted that ethics, economy, ecology, and environment must progress in unison; only then can development foster employment, reduce poverty, and cultivate pride and self-sufficiency.
The 24th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture was presented by Ashish Khanna, Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and chaired by Gadkari.
India aims to capture nearly 10 percent of the global green hydrogen demand, projected to surpass 100 million metric tonnes by 2030.
According to Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and Renewable Energy, India has made significant strides towards its ambitious green hydrogen production goals, with 862,000 tonnes of annual production capacity already allocated to 19 companies under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The government has also granted 3,000 megawatts of electrolyser manufacturing capacity to 15 companies, marking a crucial development in the industry.
Point of View
It's evident that India's pursuit of hydrogen as a clean energy source reflects its commitment to sustainable development. By focusing on rural empowerment and innovative technologies, India is not only aiming for energy independence but also for a significant role in the global clean energy market.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current cost of hydrogen in India?
Currently, hydrogen is priced at approximately $5 per kilogram in India.
What price point could make India a global energy exporter?
If India can reduce the cost of hydrogen to $1 per kilogram, it could become a global exporter of clean energy.
What role does agriculture play in India's energy strategy?
With 80% of the population engaged in agriculture, diversifying towards energy and power is crucial for rural prosperity.
What are India's green hydrogen production targets?
India aims to capture nearly 10% of the global green hydrogen demand, projected to exceed 100 million metric tonnes by 2030.
How many companies have been awarded contracts under the National Green Hydrogen Mission?
19 companies have been awarded 862,000 tonnes per annum of production capacity under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
