India Designates Three Major Ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs Under National Mission

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has officially recognised three major ports — Deendayal Port Authority (Gujarat), V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (Tamil Nadu), and Paradip Port Authority (Odisha) — as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

The move represents a key step towards establishing an integrated hydrogen ecosystem and accelerating India’s transition to clean energy.

Strengthening India’s Hydrogen Ecosystem

Launched by the Government of India, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to position the country as a global hub for the production, utilisation, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. The initiative seeks to develop large-scale hydrogen hubs serving as focal points for production and consumption, thereby enabling a sustainable and competitive hydrogen economy.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed the development, stating,

“This recognition marks a defining moment in India’s maritime journey as we transition to become a modern, capable and leader in the global maritime segment. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are working towards building an ecosystem of sustainable development that will power India towards realising the vision of becoming net zero by 2070. Ports are an important nodes in this transition. As Green Hydrogen hubs, our ports will act as catalysts of clean energy innovation. As a maritime leader, India’s ports will not only empower their own country but also leverage its strategic positions along the eastern and western trade routes to drive the region towards sustainable logistics.”

Cluster-Based Development Model

Acknowledging the logistical and technical challenges of long-distance hydrogen transport, the Mission adopts a cluster-based development model to enhance early-stage project viability. This approach enables infrastructure convergence and economies of scale within identified regions, making hydrogen projects more feasible and cost-efficient.

Revised scheme guidelines for setting up Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) and Green Hydrogen Hubs, issued on 27 June 2025, provide a framework for identifying and supporting regions with potential for large-scale hydrogen activity.

Under Component B2 of these guidelines, MNRE may recognise Green Hydrogen Hubs without direct financial assistance. Such recognition facilitates access to incentives and benefits available under other central or state government schemes.

Ports Identified as Hydrogen Hubs

Following this framework, the competent authority has approved the recognition of Deendayal, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Paradip ports as official Green Hydrogen Hubs. Projects within these zones will be eligible for benefits under existing government schemes and policies linked to the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Driving Clean Energy Investments

The recognition of these ports is expected to attract industrial participation, stimulate green investments, and promote innovation in clean fuel technologies. This development aligns with India’s long-term goals of energy self-reliance and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.