Green Hydrogen Mission Expands Startup Support With Fresh Funding

Centre Backs Green Hydrogen Innovation

Green Hydrogen Mission Expands Startup Support With Fresh Funding: The Government of India has approved ₹22 crore in financial assistance for nine startups under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). This marks the first round of support under the mission’s dedicated ₹100 crore startup funding programme, aimed at accelerating innovation in India’s clean energy sector.

The announcement was made by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi during a workshop organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The initiative is expected to encourage indigenous technologies related to hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization.

Green Hydrogen Certification Portal Launched

Along with the funding announcement, the government launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI). The portal has been developed to implement the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India and verify that hydrogen produced in the country meets prescribed green standards.

The certification system will improve transparency, strengthen investor confidence, facilitate exports, and ensure compliance with sustainability norms. It is expected to play a major role in building a globally competitive green hydrogen ecosystem.

Static GK fact: MNRE is the nodal ministry responsible for promoting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, bioenergy, and green hydrogen in India.

States Encouraged to Strengthen Policies

The Union Government has urged states to speed up the implementation of green hydrogen policies. According to official data, six states have already notified dedicated green hydrogen policies, while seven states have incorporated hydrogen provisions into existing industrial or renewable energy policies.

An additional four states are currently preparing dedicated policy frameworks. Several states are also offering incentives such as capital subsidies, electricity duty exemptions, infrastructure support, waivers on wheeling charges, and faster project approvals to attract investment.

Technology Driving Cost Reduction

Improving electrolyzer efficiency remains one of the biggest priorities for reducing the cost of green hydrogen production. Continuous technological advancements are lowering electricity consumption required to produce one kilogram of hydrogen.

Traditional alkaline electrolyzers require around 55 units of electricity per kilogram of hydrogen. Modern Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology has reduced this requirement to 46–48 units, while emerging Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) technology is expected to lower consumption further to 38–42 units, with future potential of nearly 33 units.

Static GK Tip: Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using electricity generated entirely from renewable energy sources, making it virtually free from carbon emissions.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in 2023 with a total financial outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The mission seeks to establish India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen.

Its primary target is to achieve an annual production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen by 2030. The mission also aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, and support India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Static GK fact: India announced its Net Zero by 2070 commitment during the COP26 Climate Summit held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 2021.

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Green Hydrogen Mission Expands Startup Support With Fresh Funding: