India Launches ₹100 Crore Innovation Fund at First Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) inaugurated the first Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference in New Delhi on 11 September 2025. Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, opened the conference and announced a new ₹100 crore Call for Proposals to support hydrogen innovation by start-ups. The initiative will provide up to ₹5 crore per project for pilot projects in hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilisation technologies.

At the event, 25 start-ups showcased technologies including electrolyser manufacturing, AI-driven optimisation tools, and biological hydrogen solutions. Addressing researchers, start-ups, policymakers, and industry leaders, Shri Joshi said the conference aimed to turn research into practical solutions that can power industries, clean cities, and create jobs across India.

He reiterated the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, built on four pillars: policy and regulatory framework, demand creation, R&D and innovation, and enabling infrastructure.

Progress Under NGHM

The Minister noted that under the dedicated R&D scheme of NGHM, 23 projects have already been awarded in the first round of proposals, spanning areas such as safety and integration, hydrogen production from biomass, hydrogen applications, and non-biomass hydrogen production. These projects are being carried out by IITs, IISERs, CSIR labs, and industry partners. The second round of proposals, launched in July 2025, remains open until 15 September.

International collaboration is also advancing through the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, which has received more than 30 joint proposals focused on hydrogen production from waste.

Sectoral Developments

Shri Joshi highlighted the move from vision to implementation across sectors. India’s first port-based pilot project is under way at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu. In the steel industry, five pilot projects are testing hydrogen-based decarbonisation. In shipping, retrofitting of vessels and refuelling facilities at Tuticorin Port are in progress. In transport, hydrogen buses and refuelling stations are operational. In fertilisers, the country’s first green ammonia auction discovered a price of ₹49.75 per kg, down from ₹100.28 per kg in 2024, with supplies due to begin at Paradeep Phosphates in Odisha.

He also underlined the enablers in place, including India’s Green Hydrogen Standard and Certification Scheme, five new testing facilities, certification of more than 5,600 trainees, and regulatory waivers such as transmission charge exemptions. Hydrogen hubs are being developed at Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin ports to support export competitiveness.

The NGHM targets include annual production of five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, addition of 125 GW of renewable capacity, investments of ₹8 lakh crore, creation of six lakh jobs, and reduction of 50 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, said: “R&D is not optional, but essential,” highlighting its role in addressing complex challenges and driving economic growth.

MNRE Secretary Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi said the Green Hydrogen R&D programme has a budget of ₹400 crore and that the ministry is ready to collaborate with stakeholders to advance NGHM.

Mission Director Dr. Abhay Bhakre noted that India is positioned to become a global leader in green hydrogen. The two-day conference features expert sessions, interactive roundtables, and a Start-up Expo, bringing together 25 companies engaged in hydrogen innovation.