MNRE Organizes World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day 2026
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organized an event at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi on October 8, 2026, to mark World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day. The event brought together over 100 participants including government officials, industry representatives, researchers, and experts to discuss standards and safety measures required for hydrogen use in India.
Panel Discussions and Participants
The event featured two panel discussions focusing on hydrogen standards and safety at hydrogen facilities. Key participating organizations included the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), and various research and industry organizations. Participants shared experiences and discussed how clear standards and safety measures can support wider hydrogen adoption in India.
Key Discussion Points
Discussions emphasized the need to establish clear standards for hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and usage. Participants highlighted requirements for better testing protocols and training programs to ensure safe handling of hydrogen. The importance of closer coordination between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and technical experts was also emphasized.
Dignitaries and Report Release
The valedictory session was attended by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, as chief guest. Shri Akash Tripathi, Managing Director of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), delivered a special address, while Shri Mohammad Rihan, Director General of National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), also addressed the gathering. Shri Abhay Bakre, Mission Director of National Green Hydrogen Mission at MNRE, gave the opening remarks, and Shri Sujit Pillai, Scientist F at MNRE, delivered the vote of thanks.
A significant report titled "India's Hydrogen Standards: Gap Assessment and Preliminary Action Framework" was released during the event. This report was prepared in association with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and analyzes existing hydrogen standards in India, identifies areas requiring attention, and proposes steps to address identified gaps.
National Green Hydrogen Mission Context
The event referenced the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which was approved in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The mission aims to establish India as a global hub for producing, using, and exporting green hydrogen and related products. It targets achieving an annual green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes by 2030. The mission supports production activities, equipment manufacturing, pilot projects, research initiatives, and training programs.