The Government of India has significantly ramped up its National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), awarding incentives to 18 companies for a combined Green Hydrogen production capacity of 8,62,000 Metric Tonnes per Annum (MTPA). This major development aims to position India as a global powerhouse for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, highlighted the strategic importance of Tamil Nadu in this national roadmap. The Ministry has recognized the V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin) in Tamil Nadu as one of the country’s key “Green Hydrogen Hubs” under the mission.
Tamil Nadu Leads in Maritime Green Shift As part of the pilot projects for decarbonizing the shipping sector, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has already awarded a project to develop bunkering and refuelling facilities for green methanol. This move aligns with the Ministry’s broader guidelines to implement green hydrogen usage in shipping, marking a critical step toward cleaner maritime logistics.
Impact on Net-Zero Goals The Ministry projects that the successful production and usage of the targeted quantum of green hydrogen will result in the aversion of 50 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of CO2 emissions annually. This reduction is pivotal for India’s progression toward its net-zero climate goals.
Push for EVs and Rural Solar: Beyond hydrogen, the government is aggressively pushing for electric mobility and rural energy independence. The Minister detailed the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme, notified in September 2024 with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore. The scheme supports a wide range of electric vehicles, including e-trucks, e-buses, and e-ambulances, while also funding the upgradation of testing agencies and public charging infrastructure.
Simultaneously, schemes like Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM continue to deploy on-grid and off-grid solar solutions, ensuring energy security reaches even the most remote tribal habitations under the PM JANMAN initiative.
Read more: World’s first lead-acid green hydrogen battery-electrolyser deployed in Malawi
