India Sets Ambitious Green Hydrogen Goals at International Conference
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the second edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) via video message, reinforcing India’s commitment to combating climate change and positioning green hydrogen as a pivotal element in the global energy transition.
India’s Green Hydrogen Vision
Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's dedication to a greener planet, highlighting the country's early achievement of its Paris Agreement goals. He underscored the potential of green hydrogen to decarbonize challenging sectors such as refineries, fertilizers, steel, and heavy-duty transportation. Modi outlined the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in 2023, as a cornerstone of this vision, aimed at driving innovation, infrastructure development, industry growth, and attracting significant investment in green hydrogen.
Strategic Investments and Job Creation
Shri Prahlad Venkatesh Joshi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, elaborated on the strategic initiatives under the NGHM. He projected that the mission will attract investments worth ₹8 lakh crore and create 6 lakh jobs, while also reducing reliance on imported natural gas and ammonia, saving ₹1 lakh crore. The mission aims to cut carbon emissions by 5 million metric tons by 2030, reinforcing India’s role as a leader in sustainable development.
Ambitious Production Targets
Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, outlined the mission’s ambitious targets, including producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030. This goal will require an investment of $100 billion and the development of 125 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity. Puri emphasized that the mission would significantly reduce CO2 emissions and import costs, supported by pilot projects, hydrogen hubs, and research initiatives.
Future Goals and Technological Advancements
Shri Bhupinder S. Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, highlighted India’s achievements and future goals in renewable energy, including the target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He discussed the budget allocated for various projects, including those focused on transportation and shipping, green hydrogen hubs, R&D, and infrastructure development.
Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, stressed the importance of innovative research to make green hydrogen affordable and scalable. He called for continued support for R&D to overcome challenges and fully harness green hydrogen's potential.
Showcasing India’s Progress
The conference featured a video presentation, “India’s Journey Towards a Green Hydrogen Economy,” showcasing the country’s progress and future goals in green hydrogen.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, concluded the session with a Vote of Thanks. She highlighted India's readiness to lead in green hydrogen, driven by abundant renewable resources and ambitious initiatives like the NGHM.
Collaborative Efforts
The 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen 2024 (ICGH2024) is organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The event is supported by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and EY, with FICCI as the industry partner.
India’s strategic focus on green hydrogen reflects its broader commitment to sustainable development and positions the country as a significant player in the global green energy landscape.
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