Government of India in partnership with Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited celebrated World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day on 7 October 2023 in New Delhi. The event brought together hydrogen experts from various fields and unveiled the Rs. 400 crore R&D roadmap for National Green Hydrogen Mission. The roadmap aims to foster a robust research and development environment to advance green hydrogen technology, support its commercialization and help India achieve its climate and energy goals.
It prioritizes innovation in materials, technologies, and infrastructure for efficient, reliable, and low-cost green hydrogen production, storage, and transportation while addressing technical and safety challenges.
Reiterate our commitment to research, development and deployment of hydrogen solutions.
In a video message, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy RK Singh emphasized the importance of World Hydrogen Day and Cell Day to celebrate the transformative potential of hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe. highlighted the potential of hydrogen to revolutionize our energy landscape, combat climate change, and power our economies with clean energy. On this World Hydrogen Day, he urged us to Reiterate our commitment to the research, development and implementation of hydrogen solutions, encouraging industries and communities to embrace hydrogen. A key element in the energy transition. Together, we can ensure that Hydrogen plays an important role in the sustainable and prosperous future of our planet Earth.
The first priority is mission-mode projects that will yield results in 2-3 years.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, highlighted the role of green hydrogen in decarbonization during a keynote address. He emphasized on focusing on mission-driven R&D projects of Rs. 400 crore budget, target results within 2-3 years. Prof. Sood stressed the need to increase domestic electrolyzer production and establish standards for Type IV hydrogen storage cylinders to enhance efficiency and compatibility with global standards.
Awarded for research under R&D Roadmap will allow. India will be absolutely on the cutting edge in the field.
New and Renewable Energy Secretary Bhupinder Singh Bhalla emphasized India’s strategic entry into the green hydrogen sector, positioning the nation as a global leader. He stressed the importance of producing low-cost and highly efficient green hydrogen with the aim of outpacing global technological progress. The R&D roadmap under the National Green Hydrogen Mission covers production, transportation, storage and safety, with funded research initiatives expected to take India to the forefront of the industry.
Launch of National Single Window System page for approvals under National Green Hydrogen Mission
The National Green Hydrogen Mission in India introduced the National Single Window System (NSWS) web page for project approvals, streamlining the process. Bhupinder Singh Bhalla emphasized the urgent need to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 and highlighted the transformative potential of hydrogen in decarbonizing key sectors. RP Gupta discussed hydrogen and green ammonia as long-term energy storage solutions with an emphasis on cost reduction. Abhay Bakre presented the Draft Accreditation Procedure and Guidelines for the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme. Ajay Yadav confirmed the finalization of all mission schemes, including the Hydrogen Hub, along with pilot projects in various sectors, paving the way for a hydrogen-powered future in India.
The winners of the National Hydrogen Maha Quiz were announced at the event.
The event also included the announcement of the winners of the National Hydrogen Maha Quiz. RK Malhotra discussed the current status of green hydrogen in India, while Dr. Rochan Sinha highlighted the development of membrane-less electrolyzers. Dr. C. Gopinath presented progress in artificial photosynthesis and negative carbon electrolysis. Prashant of the Sustainable Projects Development Association tackles the challenges faced by green hydrogen developers. A roundtable meeting aimed at enhancing collaboration between the banking system and developers for affordable financing, including MNRE, DFS, SECI, IREDA, NITI Aayog, Indian Banks’ Association, Banks and Developers.
World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, a global initiative, aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, as well as a versatile fuel cell technology. The day serves as a platform to recognize the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells in addressing key challenges such as climate change, energy security, and environmental sustainability. We examine the importance of World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, the role of hydrogen in the energy transition, and promising developments in fuel cell technology.
First Published: 09 Oct 2023, 09:25 IST