Government Invites Proposals for Centres of Excellence under National Green Hydrogen Mission

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced a call for proposals (CfP) to establish Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the R&D Scheme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Issued on November 4, 2024, this invitation aims to accelerate India’s transition to a low-carbon economy by fostering innovation and promoting sustainability in Green Hydrogen technologies. The CfP document, accessible through MNRE, provides detailed guidelines for interested applicants.

Objective of Centres of Excellence in Green Hydrogen

The primary goal of these Centres of Excellence is to drive cutting-edge research in Green Hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. By facilitating advanced research and development, these CoEs will contribute significantly to enhancing energy independence in India. The MNRE envisions these centers as hubs for knowledge dissemination, skill development, and cross-sector collaboration, leveraging resources and expertise to bolster India’s Green Hydrogen ecosystem.

Key Functions of CoEs

The CoEs will serve as focal points to:

• Advance Research: Propel R&D in Green Hydrogen technology to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in hydrogen production, storage, and usage.
• Promote Collaboration: Establish partnerships among government bodies, academic institutions, research entities, and industries to drive innovation.
• Skill Development: Create training and skill-development programs tailored to Green Hydrogen technology to equip the workforce with relevant expertise.
• Aggregate Resources: Bring together scientific expertise, financial resources, and infrastructure to boost the national Green Hydrogen mission.

Funding and Collaboration

A total of Rs. 100 crore has been allocated to support the establishment of these CoEs under the Green Hydrogen Mission. Public and private entities, including universities and research institutions, are encouraged to form consortia and submit proposals for funding consideration.

The CfP follows MNRE’s initial guidelines released on March 15, 2024, outlining the implementation of the R&D Scheme. Both public and private sector entities, along with academia, are expected to respond with collaborative project proposals aimed at addressing the technical and economic challenges in Green Hydrogen production and storage.

Background: The National Green Hydrogen Mission

Launched on January 4, 2023, with a total budget of Rs. 19,744 crore through FY 2029-30, the National Green Hydrogen Mission underscores India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance through clean energy. The mission focuses on reducing India’s reliance on fossil fuels, decarbonizing the economy, and positioning India as a global leader in Green Hydrogen technology.

By addressing critical technical challenges, the CoEs will not only advance India’s clean energy transition but also inspire global shifts toward sustainable energy practices. Through the development of Green Hydrogen technologies, India aspires to become a key player in the global clean energy landscape.