India Poised to Become Leading Exporter of Green Hydrogen
India has the potential to emerge as a leading exporter of green hydrogen, playing a pivotal role in the global hydrogen economy, according to Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). Addressing delegates at the World Hydrogen Summit, Bhalla emphasized India's strategic focus on scaling up green hydrogen production to capitalize on international market opportunities, thereby reinforcing its position in the global energy transition.
Bhalla assured the delegates of India's capability to meet any scale of production demand for green hydrogen, contingent upon sufficient market demand and support. "This confidence stems from India's robust renewable energy deployment strategy, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)", he added.
The Secretary highlighted several factors that position India to become a key player in the global hydrogen economy, including affordability, infrastructure development, skilled personnel, ambition, and scalability. India is on a rapid trajectory of renewable energy infrastructure development, with approximately 43 percent of its current installed electricity capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources. Projections indicate this figure will rise to 50 percent by 2030.
Bhalla outlined the comprehensive scope of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which includes pilot projects, research and development (R&D) initiatives, and skill development programs. He emphasized India's leadership in renewable energy affordability, noting the nation's low cost of renewable energy, which presents an attractive landscape for both domestic and international investments.
"With competitive pricing, India presents an attractive landscape for domestic and international investments in renewable energy projects, aligning with the nation's commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources", Bhalla stated.
He also highlighted India's integrated grid infrastructure as a key enabler for the seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the national energy mix. This infrastructure not only enhances grid stability and reliability but also facilitates the strategic placement of renewable energy plants, optimizing efficiency and minimizing the need for long-distance transportation and storage of hydrogen.
India's abundant pool of skilled engineers is another cornerstone for the successful implementation of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects. "The availability of skilled personnel at a reasonable cost further enhances India's competitiveness in the global market for green hydrogen production", Bhalla noted.
