India is stepping up efforts to become a global hub for green hydrogen innovation as part of its journey toward achieving Net Zero by 2070, Union Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik said on Friday.
Addressing the valedictory session of the first Green Hydrogen R&D Conference organised under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Naik urged scientists, industry leaders, startups and young researchers to transform India into a global centre for innovation, manufacturing and deployment of hydrogen technologies. He said the two-day conference, which concluded in New Delhi, had brought together the country’s best minds to map out a clean, secure and self-reliant energy future.
Naik highlighted that green hydrogen lies at the heart of India’s decarbonisation plans, with the fuel expected to reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, create new trade frontiers and boost industrial competitiveness. He noted that the MNRE has already supported over 200 R&D projects in renewable energy, fuel cells, hydrogen and storage technologies, building a strong ecosystem of funding, testing facilities and incubation programmes.
Over 1,300 participants attended the conference, which featured 17 technical sessions, panel discussions and a dedicated startup exhibition. Deliberations covered new production pathways such as electrolysis, thermochemical and biological routes; challenges in storage, transport and fuel-cell applications; and the importance of safety, scalability and governance frameworks. The event also launched a fresh call for proposals to support hydrogen startups and fast-track innovation.
Naik emphasised that green hydrogen offers more than clean energy, calling it a catalyst for economic growth, high-value jobs and export opportunities. He said India’s leadership in the sector would help domestic industries stay competitive amid evolving global carbon regulations. Acknowledging the challenges in commercialising emerging technologies, he expressed confidence that India’s growing R&D infrastructure, supportive policy framework, international partnerships and scientific talent will transform these hurdles into opportunities.
Mission Director of the National Green Hydrogen Mission Abhay Bhakre and other senior officials underlined that over 140 standards have already been published to support the sector’s growth, while agencies such as NISE and SECI are working to strengthen innovation, mentoring and partnerships.
The conference marked a key milestone in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, reaffirming India’s ambition to become a world leader and export hub for green hydrogen technologies.