Gujarat set to become India’s Green Hydrogen hub

Gandhinagar : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said that Gujarat is poised to become the country’s Green Hydrogen Hub with 1 Million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production in the 2 lakh hectares of wasteland in Kutch and Banaskantha districts.

Addressing the ‘Gujarat-The Green Hydrogen Destination of India’, Gujarat CM emphasized the Prime Minister’s commitment to green growth through clean and sustainable energy to meet the country’s future energy demand. Gujarat, aligning with this vision, has allocated 2 lakh crore rupees for the green growth sector over the next five years.

With ever increasing demands for steel, chemical fertilizers, petroleum for the growing needs of the country, there is a rising need for hydrogen. Looking at the carbon emissions and pollution threats, stress is emphasized on green hydrogen.

With an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores having a target of 5 million metric production capacity of Green Hydrogen annually, the prime minister launched the Green Hydrogen Mission India last year.

“Gujarat has earmarked around 2 lakh hectares land in Banaskantha for the production of green hydrogen, Under the assistance to industries in the “Atma Nirbhar Bharat.  Gujarat also provides incentives for the production of electrolysers,” said Bhupendra Patel, during the launch of Green Hydrogen mission.

Green Hydrogen is crucial to achieve the Net Zero efficiency- especially in steel, refineries, fertilizers. India has targeted to achieve 5 million metric tonne green hydrogen production annually by 2030, which will also give employment to over 6 lakh jobs. The government has set a clear focus on funding for Research and Development (R&D) and financial support for manufacturing. We are looking at replacement of hydrogen produced by fossil fuel and also reduction of 15 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, said Bhupindarsingh Bhalla, the secretary, ministry of New and Renewable energy.

“As part of the Green Hydrogen India mission, we have also developed Indian green hydrogen standards, and we will soon release an R&D scheme and R&D facilities, according to a roadmap.” As green hydrogen generation is still in its early stages, we will undoubtedly conduct a number of pilot projects, particularly in the steel, energy storage, and shipping industries. The entire mission cost is estimated to be approximately Rs 20,000 crore, with Rs 17,000 crore allocated to R&D and industrial incentives” added Bhalla.

Gujarat Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai highlighted Gujarat’s advantages, including its extensive coastline, waterways, and strategic location. He emphasized Gujarat’s commitment to providing essential facilities, positioning the state as a leader in renewable energy. Gujarat, he proudly stated, is a top destination for both overall and renewable energy investments, as demonstrated by the highest number of MOUs and agreements signed during the tenth edition of the Vibrant Summit.