India's National Green Hydrogen Mission Progress Update
The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2023 with an outlay of Rs19,744 crore, aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and derivatives. The mission targets production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) annually by 2030, potentially reaching 10 MMT with export demand. Green hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced with emissions not exceeding 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen on a well-to-gate basis, measured as a 12-month average, as notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in August 2023.
Strategic Interventions and Incentive Programs
The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, with an outlay of Rs17,490 crore up to 2029–30, provides incentives for domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production. As of current data, incentives have been awarded to 15 companies for 3,000 MW per annum of electrolyser manufacturing capacity, reducing dependence on imported supply chains. Approximately 8,000 tonnes per annum of green hydrogen capacity had been commissioned by February 2026, with incentives awarded for 8,62,000 tonnes per annum of additional production capacity.
Sectoral Applications and Pilot Projects
The mission focuses on hard-to-abate sectors including fertiliser production, petroleum refining, iron and steel manufacturing, heavy-duty road transport, and shipping. Five pilot projects have been sanctioned in the steel sector with Rs84 crore allocated for testing 100% hydrogen injection. Twelve mobility projects will deploy 70 hydrogen vehicles (27 buses and 43 trucks) including fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles, covering 16 hydrogen refuelling stations across 21 routes with financial assistance of Rs41.58 crore released. V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has awarded a pilot project for green methanol bunkering and refuelling facilities costing Rs38.12 crore, including an MNRE grant of Rs35 crore.
Infrastructure Development and Policy Framework
MNRE has recognized three ports as green hydrogen hubs: Deendayal Port (Kandla, Gujarat), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu), and Paradip Port (Odisha). An indigenously built 1 MW green hydrogen plant was commissioned at Kandla Port in July 2025. Four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters have been awarded in Jodhpur, Odisha, Pune, and Kerala. Key policy measures include 25-year exemption from Inter-State Transmission System charges for plants commissioned by 31 December 2030, Open Access within 15 days, banking of surplus renewable electricity for up to 30 days, and exemption from prior Environmental Clearance for standalone plants.
Regulatory Framework and International Cooperation
MNRE launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India in April 2025, with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency accrediting agencies for monitoring, verification and certification. A dedicated certification portal went live in June 2026. Standards for green ammonia and green methanol have been notified with emission thresholds and eligibility conditions. International partnerships include MoUs with Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Uzbekistan, Netherlands, and the India-US Hydrogen Task Force under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership.
State-level Initiatives and Employment Impact
Six states have notified dedicated green hydrogen policies: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Four additional states (Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, and Kerala) are finalizing policies, while seven states have integrated hydrogen into existing industrial and renewable energy frameworks. The mission aims to generate over 6 lakh jobs across the value chain by 2030, with 8,149 candidates trained and 7,248 certified in hydrogen-related qualifications across 14 States and Union Territories as of current data. Rs100 crore has been allocated to startups, with first nine startups approved for total funding of Rs22 crore.
Expected Outcomes and Economic Impact
By 2030, the mission is expected to reduce cumulative fossil fuel imports by approximately Rs1 lakh crore and avert nearly 50 MMT of carbon dioxide emissions annually. It aims to mobilize over Rs8 lakh crore in investments across manufacturing, infrastructure, research and project development, contributing to India's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and net-zero emissions commitment by 2070.