Why in news?
The first-ever Green Hydrogen R&D Conference was held in New Delhi in September 2025, gathering top scientists, industry experts, startups, and policymakers where the government announced a ₹100 crore initiative to support startups working on hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilization technologies. 
 
About Green hydrogen

• Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated entirely from renewable sources like solar or wind power.
• This process, called electrolysis, results in minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making green hydrogen a key technology for reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence.

Production

• Green hydrogen is primarily produced by water electrolysis powered by renewable energy.
• The main electrolyzer types include alkaline, proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide, and anion exchange membrane electrolyzers, each with unique advantages.
• Alternative experimental methods include photoelectrochemical splitting and biological hydrogen production.

Uses

• Green hydrogen is vital for decarbonizing sectors hard to electrify directly, such as:
• Heavy industries (steel, cement, chemicals)
• Shipping and aviation (fuel or synthetic fuels like ammonia, methanol)
• Long-duration energy and seasonal storage
• Industrial feedstock replacing fossil fuels

Market and Costs

• As of 2024, green hydrogen production costs are 1.5 to 6 times higher than fossil fuel-based hydrogen but are expected to decline due to falling renewable electricity and electrolyzer costs.
• Globally, less than 0.1% of hydrogen is green hydrogen, but the market is growing quickly as governments and industry invest.

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission
India aims to become a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export through its National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission targets:

• 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production by 2030
• Significant decarbonization and reduced fossil fuel imports
• Supporting domestic demand and exports through policy, demand aggregation, and certifications
• Encouraging technology leadership and market creation
• The mission also includes developing a regulatory framework for certifying green hydrogen and derivatives (like green ammonia) produced from renewable sources.

Green hydrogen represents a promising, clean alternative fuel and industrial feedstock that can play a crucial role in global decarbonization and energy transitions, including in India where strategic missions promote its rapid development and adoption.

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