Green hydrogen: a key pillar of India's clean energy transition – progress of the National Green Hydrogen Mission

28 October 2026 · English Infrastructure & Energy

Topics: Defence, Energy, Industry & Parliament · 28 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)

News

An explainer on green hydrogen's role in India's clean energy transition (28 Oct 2026) compiles government data: the National Green Hydrogen Mission (Jan 2023; ₹19,744 crore) targets at least 5 million tonnes a year of capacity by 2030. Under its 'SIGHT' programme (₹17,490 crore), 15 companies got incentives for 3,000 MW a year of electrolyser manufacturing, and incentives were awarded for 8.62 lakh tonnes a year of green hydrogen output; about 8,000 tonnes a year of capacity was commissioned as of Feb 2026. The 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen is in Delhi on 2–5 Nov.

Key facts

Background

• Science: in water electrolysis (2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂), hydrogen is released at the cathode and oxygen at the anode, in a 2:1 volume ratio. About 9 litres of demineralised water are needed per kg of hydrogen (MNRE).
• Hydrogen 'colours': grey – steam methane reforming of natural gas (no carbon capture); blue – same plus carbon capture and storage; green – electrolysis using renewable power; pink – nuclear power; brown/black – coal.
• History: Henry Cavendish identified hydrogen as a distinct substance ('inflammable air') in 1766; Lavoisier named it 'hydrogen' (water-former). Haber–Bosch process: N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃ – green hydrogen gives 'green ammonia', and from it fertilisers such as urea.
• Pilots: 5 steel projects (including a 100% hydrogen injection trial); in transport 27 buses, 43 trucks and 16 refuelling stations; a 1 MW indigenous plant at Kandla port (July 2025). The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) was launched in April 2025. Over 6 lakh jobs and about 50 million tonnes of CO₂ avoided a year are expected by 2030.

Tamil Nadu link: V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Thoothukudi, is one of the three ports MNRE has recognised as green hydrogen hubs, and the mission's shipping pilot – a green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility – was awarded to VOC Port. SPIC's fertiliser plant at Thoothukudi makes urea from ammonia, giving the region local demand for green ammonia.

Source: Revoi explainer (government data), 28 Oct 2026; PIB / MNRE; Drishti IAS (GHCI, May 2025); Vajiram & Ravi (Hydrogen Valleys)

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