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International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy

India

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National Strategy
India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) in January 2023 with a total outlay of ₹19,744 crore (USD 2.4 billion). The Mission positions India as a global hub for the production, use, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

Roadmaps
NGHM (2023) – updated national pathway covering production, infrastructure, demand creation, exports, and ecosystem development with Mission Objectives (by 2030)
5 million tonnes/year Green Hydrogen production
125 GW additional renewable energy capacity
₹8 lakh crore (USD ~96 billion) expected investments
6 lakh new jobs
50 million tonnes/year CO₂ emissions reduction
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Update: January 2026

India has undertaken a series of large‑scale initiatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to accelerate domestic production, manufacturing, and ecosystem development.

The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme forms the backbone of this effort, with 3,000 MW/year of electrolyser manufacturing capacity awarded and 8,62,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of Green Hydrogen production allocated across multiple tranches.
Under the demand‑creation window, 7,24,000 TPA of Green Ammonia has been awarded for the fertilizer sector at a globally competitive weighted average price of ₹53.27/kg (USD 0.64/kg), while 2,00,000 TPA of Green Hydrogen has been earmarked for refineries, of which 20,000 TPA has already been awarded.
Complementing these measures, India has notified guidelines for Hydrogen Hubs, testing infrastructure, and skill development, and has operationalized a dedicated National Single Window System to streamline approvals for hydrogen and electrolyser projects.
Policy and regulatory reforms have advanced in parallel to support safe and rapid deployment. India has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI) to provide a transparent, internationally aligned framework for measuring and certifying the carbon intensity of hydrogen produced in the country, with a digital portal under development for implementation by March 2026.
To strengthen safety and standardization, 164 standards have been recommended across the hydrogen value chain, of which 128 have already been adopted or published by BIS, PESO, PNGRB, OISD, and MoRTH.
These initiatives are complemented by targeted pilot projects in the steel, transport, and shipping sectors; the establishment of four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters; and ongoing R&D investments, positioning India as one of the fastest‑moving countries in building a comprehensive Green Hydrogen ecosystem.
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Update: January 2026

India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s R&D Scheme in March 2024 with an outlay of ₹400 crore (USD ~50 million) to accelerate innovation across production, storage, transport, safety, and end‑use applications.
The first Call for Proposals received 408 submissions, of which 23 projects have been awarded across biomass and non‑biomass production pathways, hydrogen engines, fuel‑cell UAVs, and safety systems.
The second Call for Proposals attracted 440 submissions, and are under final evaluation.

Under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) joint call, 35 proposals were received and 2 shortlisted for bilateral support.

To build long‑term research capacity, MNRE is establishing Centres of Excellence, with 100 proposals received and 24 shortlisted for advanced evaluation.
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Update January 2026

SIGHT Programme – Electrolyser Manufacturing
3,000 MW/year domestic electrolyser manufacturing capacity awarded under Tranche I & II, with an incentive outlay of ₹4,440 crore (USD 535 million). These awards are enabling the creation of a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem, reducing import dependence and supporting large‑scale GH₂ project deployment.

SIGHT Programme – Green Hydrogen Production
Mode 1 (GH₂ Production): 8,62,000 TPA awarded across Tranche I & II with an incentive outlay of ₹5,294 crore (USD 640 million). This tranche supports early‑stage commercial production and anchors domestic demand creation for industrial applications.
Mode 2A (Green Ammonia for Fertilizers): 7,24,000 TPA awarded at a globally competitive weighted average price of ₹53.27/kg (USD 0.64/kg); incentive outlay ₹1,534 crore (USD 185 million). This mechanism ensures long‑term supply security for India’s fertilizer sector while accelerating green ammonia adoption.
Mode 2B (Green Hydrogen for Refineries): 2,00,000 TPA allocated, with 37,000 TPA tendered and 20,000 TPA awarded; incentive outlay ₹2,400 crore (USD 290 million). This supports refinery decarbonization and creates an early anchor market for GH₂ in hard‑to‑abate sectors.

Pilot Projects
Transport Sector: 5 pilot projects awarded with funding of ₹208 crore (USD 25 million) to demonstrate hydrogen mobility solutions. Deployment includes 37 hydrogen vehicles (buses and trucks) and 9 Hydrogen Refuelling Stations across 10 strategic routes, enabling real‑world operational learning. Phase II includes 7 proposals under evaluation to expand hydrogen mobility corridors and fleet‑scale demonstrations.
Steel Sector: 5 pilot projects sanctioned with funding of ₹132 crore (USD 16 million), focusing on hydrogen injection in blast furnaces and DRI plants. These pilots aim to validate hydrogen‑based ironmaking pathways and reduce coal/coke consumption in one of India’s most carbon‑intensive sectors.
Shipping Sector: Dual‑fuel vessel acquisition supported with ₹80 crore (USD 9.6 million) to demonstrate hydrogen‑derived fuels in maritime operations. A Green Methanol bunkering facility at V.O. Chidambaranar Port is being developed with ₹35 crore (USD 4.2 million); work has been awarded and vessel procurement is underway. These initiatives position India’s ports as early hubs for green maritime fuels.

Hydrogen Valleys
Four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) sanctioned with a total outlay of ₹170 crore (USD 20 million) in Jodhpur, Pune, Bhubaneswar, and Thiruvananthapuram. These valleys integrate production, storage, distribution, and end‑use applications to create regional hydrogen ecosystems and demonstrate replicable models.

Testing Infrastructure
Guidelines issued in July 2024, with five national testing facility projects awarded under a budget of ₹200 crore (USD 24 million). These facilities will support electrolyser testing, component certification, safety validation, and standards implementation.

Ease of Doing Business
A dedicated National Single Window System (NSWS) for GH₂ projects streamlines approvals across central and state agencies. This platform reduces regulatory delays and improves transparency for investors and project developers.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been permitted up to 100 percent under the automatic route.

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI)
GHCI launched in April 2025 to certify the carbon intensity of domestically produced Green Hydrogen. A digital GHCI portal is under development, with testing expected by March 2026, enabling traceability and alignment with global certification frameworks.

Hydrogen Hubs
Guidelines issued in March 2024 with a budget of ₹210 crore (USD 25 million) to develop integrated hydrogen hubs. Issued a Call for Proposals in August 2024, and evaluation is underway to identify locations with strong industrial and export potential.

Skill Development
Guidelines issued in March 2024; 1,200 trainees certified in 2025 across the hydrogen value chain. 43 qualifications, 81 master trainers, and 331 trainers aligned through NSDC to build a skilled workforce for GH₂ deployment. Centre of Excellence are being established in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Bhubaneswar (Odisha) to support advanced skilling and industry‑aligned training.
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Update: January 2026

India has significantly strengthened its global engagement on Green Hydrogen through a series of high‑impact international events and strategic collaborations.

World Hydrogen Day 2024/2025 was celebrated across the country with extensive national outreach, reinforcing public and industry awareness of India’s clean energy transition.
India hosted the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (September 2024), bringing together global experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance dialogue on technology, standards, and market development.

Earlier in March 2024, India also hosted the 41st IPHE Steering Committee Meeting, where member countries reviewed progress on global hydrogen initiatives and explored deeper cooperation on certification, safety, and trade.

India’s growing leadership was further demonstrated at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, where the country showcased its emerging GH₂ ecosystem, and at the European Hydrogen Week 2024, where India participated as the Exclusive Partner Country, highlighting its policy framework, investment opportunities, and industrial capabilities.

Continuing this momentum, India hosted the 3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH) in November 2025, positioning the country as a convening hub for global hydrogen innovation and collaboration.

In addition to these flagship events, India regularly engages with international partners through review meetings, bilateral dialogues, and technical exchanges to support national initiatives, facilitate state‑level investment plans, and strengthen industry participation in the global hydrogen economy.
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Update: January 2026

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is supported by a total outlay of ₹19,744 crore (USD 2.4 billion) by Government of India, covering electrolyser manufacturing, Green Hydrogen production incentives, pilot projects, Hydrogen Hubs, R&D, testing infrastructure, and skill development. This central allocation is complemented by a rapidly expanding investment pipeline driven by state governments and the private sector.

In addition to public funding, India’s private sector is making substantial investments across the Green Hydrogen value chain, including large‑scale electrolyser manufacturing, integrated GH₂–ammonia projects, mobility pilots, and port‑based export facilities. Several major Indian companies have announced multi‑billion‑dollar investment plans, supported through bilateral partnerships, multilateral development financing, export credit agencies, and global climate‑aligned funds.

States such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have introduced dedicated Green Hydrogen policies offering land, infrastructure, and fiscal incentives, which have accelerated project announcements and foreign direct investment.

Together, these public and private investments are positioning India as one of the world’s fastest‑growing Green Hydrogen markets.
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Update: January 2026

Regulations, Codes & Standards
India has established a comprehensive regulatory and standardization framework to support the safe and rapid deployment of Green Hydrogen across the value chain. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has constituted a National Working Group on Regulations, Codes and Standards (RCS), comprising representatives from key national bodies including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

The Working Group has recommended 164 standards, of which 128 standards have already been adopted or published, covering hydrogen production, storage, transportation, dispensing, and end use applications. The remaining standards are under review and are expected to be finalized during 2026, ensuring alignment with global best practices.

Safety Framework
To strengthen national safety governance for hydrogen technologies, India established the National Hydrogen Safety Panel (NHSP) in September 2025. The Panel includes experts from regulatory agencies, scientific institutions, and industry, and is mandated to guide safety protocols, risk assessments, and emergency response frameworks across the hydrogen ecosystem.

Based on the Panel’s recommendations, the Terms of Reference for the proposed Centre of Hydrogen Safety (CHS) have been drafted, with the award and operationalization expected by March/April 2026. The CHS will serve as India’s dedicated institution for hydrogen safety research, capacity building, testing, and development of harmonized safety standards consistent with international norms.
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Update: January 2026

India has initiated the development of a comprehensive national data architecture to support evidence‑based policymaking and transparent reporting across the Green Hydrogen value chain. As part of this effort, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the First Annual Hydrogen Survey of India, with an Expression of Interest (EoI) issued in October 2025. The Survey aims to systematically capture data on hydrogen production, consumption, electrolyser deployment, storage, transportation, safety incidents, workforce development, and investment flows. Technical and financial evaluations of bids are currently underway, and the award of the implementing agency is expected in early 2026.

In parallel, India is developing digital systems to support real‑time data reporting under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This includes integration of project‑level information through the National Single Window System (NSWS) and the upcoming Green Hydrogen Certification of India (GHCI) portal, which will collect verified emissions‑intensity data from all certified producers. These initiatives will enable India to align with emerging global reporting frameworks, support international trade requirements, and contribute to IPHE’s efforts on harmonized data, transparency, and cross‑country comparability.
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