India Advances Green Hydrogen Initiatives with Major Breakthroughs
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is leading the charge in India’s green hydrogen sector with significant indigenous innovations across its value chain. Through focused mission-mode projects and collaborations with industry, CSIR has successfully developed Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks, which power India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell bus and an inland waterway vessel. Their ongoing work also includes progress in Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) and Electrolyzer technologies, which aim to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in hydrogen production and storage systems.
In addition to these advancements, CSIR has pioneered a solar-assisted bio-electrochemical process to generate green hydrogen from wastewater, promoting decentralized production while simultaneously treating the wastewater. This innovative method demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices and underscores the potential environmental benefits of green hydrogen.
Biotechnology Innovation Boosts Green Hydrogen Production
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is complementing these technological endeavors with its Bio-RIDE (Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development) scheme, which has an outlay of Rs. 9,197 crore from 2021 to 2026. The scheme focuses on three main areas: Biotechnology Research and Development, Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development, and Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry. By integrating support from previous initiatives, Bio-RIDE strengthens the overall biotechnology innovation framework in India.
Under its Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry component, the scheme aims to establish shared biomanufacturing infrastructure, pilot-scale facilities, and automation platforms necessary for scaling up and commercializing bio-based products. DBT has also backed various network and consortium-based research projects focused on developing green hydrogen pathways through biological methods. A key initiative includes the large-scale cultivation of Azolla in wastewater, which produces valuable biomass for biohydrogen production.
National Green Hydrogen Mission Set to Transform India’s Energy Landscape
The Government of India is diligently pursuing its objectives through the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), aimed at positioning India as a global leader in green hydrogen production, usage, and export. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has recently introduced revised guidelines for establishing Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) and Green Hydrogen Hubs under the mission. Projects have already been awarded for the development of hydrogen valleys in Jodhpur, Odisha, Pune, and Kerala, enhancing local green hydrogen systems.
These initiatives align perfectly with India’s goals to achieve net-zero emissions and transition towards cleaner energy. By strengthening local capabilities and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster fosters comprehensive decarbonization strategies. Additionally, the Bio-RIDE scheme is pivotal in promoting biomanufacturing and creating bio-based alternatives to traditional, energy-intensive products.
The MNRE has also outlined plans to decarbonize challenging sectors through innovative green hydrogen technologies. BIRAC, under DBT, is set to assist in producing green hydrogen through biomass and other advanced methods. This program includes financial support of INR 100 Crore for groundbreaking projects, all part of a broader roadmap to meet the target of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen production annually by 2030 and sustain net zero emissions by 2070.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, presented this impactful information during the Rajya Sabha session on February 12, 2026, highlighting India’s firm commitment to advancing its green hydrogen agenda.
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