Expanding India’s Hydrogen Ecosystem
Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters Driving India’s Green Hydrogen Shift: India is moving quickly toward a cleaner energy future with the rollout of Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs). Four clusters are now being developed across the country to showcase the entire green hydrogen value chain. These clusters aim to accelerate technology adoption and bring together industries, research institutions, and government agencies.
Static GK fact: India is among the world’s top three energy consumers, increasing the need for sustainable alternatives.
Purpose of HVICs
HVICs focus on demonstrating hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and end-use in one integrated ecosystem. They support India’s first large-scale hydrogen demonstration projects, enabling real-world testing and scalable solutions. Such clusters also help reduce costs by localizing technology and infrastructure.
Static GK Tip: Hydrogen was first identified as an element by Henry Cavendish in 1766.
Alignment with National Green Hydrogen Mission
These clusters were initially conceptualized by the Department of Science and Technology, and are now part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). Launched in 2023, NGHM is India’s umbrella programme for building a full green hydrogen ecosystem. It aims to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030, making India a global hub for clean fuel.
Static GK fact: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) implements major renewable energy programmes in India.
Understanding Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources like solar or wind instead of fossil fuels. The main processes include electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen, and biomass gasification, which uses organic materials. For hydrogen to be classified as green, emissions must remain below 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent per 1 kg of hydrogen produced.
Static GK Tip: India is the world’s largest producer of solar energy-powered cookers, showing its renewable energy adoption.
India’s Emerging Hydrogen Hubs
India has already identified three major green hydrogen hubs to support large-scale production. These include Deendayal Port in Gujarat, V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu, and Paradip Port in Odisha. These ports will support export-ready hydrogen infrastructure and attract global investment.
Static GK fact: Paradip Port was commissioned in 1966 as India’s first major port on the East Coast.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters Driving India’s Green Hydrogen Shift:
| Topic | Detail |
| Number of HVICs | Four clusters under development |
| Mission linkage | Integrated under National Green Hydrogen Mission |
| NGHM launch year | 2023 |
| NGHM target | 5 MMT green hydrogen by 2030 |
| Core processes | Electrolysis and biomass gasification |
| Green hydrogen criteria | Less than 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg hydrogen |
| First hydrogen hubs | Deendayal Port, VOC Port, Paradip Port |
| Nodal department | Department of Science and Technology |
| Energy source | Solar, wind, and other renewable power |
| Main objective | Demonstration of full hydrogen value chain |
