Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen today, emphasising the critical need for global cooperation in advancing the green hydrogen sector. Delivering his remarks via video message, the Prime Minister highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and underscored India’s leadership in energy transition and sustainability.
“The world is undergoing a crucial transformation,” PM Modi stated, noting that the impacts of climate change are being felt now, making immediate action essential. He pointed out that energy transition has become a central focus of global policy and reaffirmed India’s commitment to creating a cleaner and greener planet.
India, the Prime Minister said, was among the first G20 nations to fulfil its Paris climate commitments, doing so nine years ahead of the 2030 target. “In the last decade, India’s non-fossil fuel capacity increased by nearly 300%, and our solar energy capacity saw a 3,000% boost,” he said. However, Modi stressed that India is not resting on these achievements and remains focused on exploring new areas of innovation, particularly in the realm of green hydrogen.
Modi emphasised the potential of green hydrogen in revolutionising energy systems and decarbonising industries that are challenging to electrify, such as refineries, fertilisers, steel, and heavy-duty transportation. He also pointed out that green hydrogen can serve as an energy storage solution for surplus renewable power, providing a critical resource for a sustainable energy future.
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, is aimed at positioning the country as a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilisation, and export. “The mission is driving innovation, infrastructure, and investment in the sector,” Modi said, highlighting the role of cutting-edge research and partnerships between industry and academia.
Addressing the global energy transition, the Prime Minister called for international partnerships to accelerate the scaling up of green hydrogen production, reduce costs, and build infrastructure. “The answers to global challenges must be global as well,” Modi remarked, urging international cooperation in research and innovation.
He referenced the G20 Summit in New Delhi, held in September 2023, where leaders adopted five voluntary principles on hydrogen, creating a unified roadmap for its development. The Prime Minister stressed that decisions made now would determine the quality of life for future generations.
Prime Minister Modi urged scientists and innovators to lead the green hydrogen revolution, posing critical questions about improving the efficiency of electrolysers and exploring alternative water sources such as seawater and municipal wastewater for hydrogen production. He also emphasised the need to explore green hydrogen’s potential for public transportation, shipping, and inland waterways.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by highlighting humanity’s history of overcoming challenges through collective and innovative solutions. “We can achieve anything when we work together,” he said, expressing confidence that the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen would foster meaningful exchanges to drive the green energy transition.
PM Modi extended his best wishes to all participants, calling on them to accelerate the development and deployment of green hydrogen technologies and to work collaboratively for a sustainable and greener world.
