Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, delivered a keynote address at the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, emphasising India’s robust vision and burgeoning capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production.
During his address, Secretary Bhalla articulated the comprehensive framework of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which encompasses pilot projects, extensive R&D initiatives, and skill development programs. He emphasised the government’s holistic approach aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building across the hydrogen value chain. “Our focus on pilot projects and advancing R&D highlights our commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for green hydrogen technologies, fostering cutting-edge solutions and best practices,” he stated.
India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy affordability was underscored, with Bhalla highlighting the nation’s competitive pricing structure that makes it an attractive destination for both domestic and international investments in renewable energy projects. He pointed to India’s integrated grid infrastructure as a critical factor in facilitating the seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the national energy mix, enhancing grid stability and optimising efficiency.
Furthermore, Bhalla noted India’s significant pool of skilled engineers as a cornerstone for the successful implementation of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects. “With world-class expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction services, India offers a robust talent pool capable of executing projects with efficiency and precision. This skilled workforce, available at a reasonable cost, enhances our competitiveness in the global green hydrogen market,” he remarked.
Highlighting India’s ambition to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen, Bhalla underscored the nation’s strategic focus on scaling up production to meet international demand. “With our clear vision and commitment to sustainable energy practices, we are determined to play a pivotal role in the global hydrogen economy,” he asserted. He expressed confidence in India’s ability to meet any scale of production demand, given sufficient market demand and support, bolstered by the country’s extensive renewable energy infrastructure.
In his keynote, Bhalla highlighted the rapid growth of India’s renewable energy sector, noting that approximately 43% of the current installed electricity capacity is derived from non-fossil-fuel sources, with projections to reach 50% by 2030. This trajectory, aligned with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), demonstrates the country’s steadfast commitment to sustainable energy.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission, a flagship initiative of the Indian Government, aims to establish 5 million tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. The Mission has already made significant strides, awarding tenders for incentives supporting the production of 4,12,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per annum, and tenders for the establishment of 1,500 MW per annum of electrolyser manufacturing capacity.
Secretary Bhalla’s address at the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 showcased India’s leadership, ambition, and capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. With a strong emphasis on affordability, infrastructure development, skilled personnel, ambition, and scalability, India is poised to emerge as a key player in the global hydrogen economy, advancing sustainable energy solutions worldwide.
