India Reaffirms Green Ports Mission, Pushes Hydrogen Adoption on World Hydrogen Day

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on Thursday reiterated its commitment to advancing India’s Green Ports Mission through the adoption of clean and alternative fuels, marking the occasion of World Hydrogen Day.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry said it is actively promoting hydrogen-based technologies to power vessels, ports, and logistics operations, as part of India’s broader effort to create a sustainable maritime ecosystem.

“On #WorldHydrogenDay, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing India’s Green Ports Mission through the adoption of clean fuels for a sustainable tomorrow. Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendramodi ji, MoPSW is actively promoting hydrogen-based technologies to power vessels, ports, and logistics, paving the way for a cleaner and greener maritime sector,” the post stated.

India’s Hydrogen Push

World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed globally to raise awareness about the potential of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, along with the technology of fuel cells that enable its efficient use. The observance highlights the role of hydrogen in addressing climate change, energy security, and environmental sustainability.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri recently emphasized that hydrogen represents more than just the “fuel of the future,” describing it as a key pillar of energy security, economic competitiveness, and environmental responsibility.

Puri highlighted India’s ambition to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, supported by a ₹19,700 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and a comprehensive policy framework designed to attract global investment and innovation.

“Every electrolyser manufacturer in the world is coming here because they see potential,” he said, adding that declining hydrogen production costs indicate growing investor confidence and technological maturity.

He also cited recent examples such as Indian Oil’s green hydrogen plant in Panipat and Tokyo Energy’s competitive bids at Visakhapatnam, which demonstrate progress in project deployment and cost efficiency. Additionally, he pointed to Solar Energy Corporation of India’s green ammonia tenders, describing green ammonia as a “critical export opportunity” due to its logistical advantages over natural gas.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

The Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission on January 4, 2023, with a total outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The mission aims to establish India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Its primary objective is to facilitate the production of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030, thereby contributing to India’s transition toward cleaner energy and reduced dependency on fossil fuels.