India's Green Hydrogen Push: Rs 100 Crore for Biomass Innovation

The government has announced a Rs 100 crore scheme for biomass-based hydrogen pilot projects. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi revealed this initiative at the International Conference on Green Hydrogen. India is making rapid progress with incentives for massive electrolyser manufacturing and hydrogen production. The country now boasts the world's lowest green ammonia prices while expanding its renewable energy capacity.

Key Points: Pralhad Joshi Announces Rs 100 Crore Biomass Hydrogen Scheme

  • Rs 100 crore scheme for biomass-based hydrogen pilot projects through BIRAC
  • India achieves world's lowest green ammonia price at Rs 49.75 per kg
  • 3,000 MW electrolyser manufacturing capacity approved under SIGHT programme
  • Non-fossil installed capacity exceeds 250 GW including 130 GW solar power
2 min read

Pralhad Joshi announces Rs 100 crore scheme for biomass-based hydrogen pilot projects

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launches Rs 100 crore biomass hydrogen pilot projects under National Green Hydrogen Mission, accelerating India's clean energy transition.

"Green hydrogen is positioned as the fuel of a new civilization and a key to long-term energy independence - Pralhad Joshi"

New Delhi, Nov 11

The government on Tuesday announced a Rs 100 crore call for proposals for pilot projects to develop innovative technologies for producing green hydrogen from biomass and waste materials.

The scheme will be implemented through BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) to encourage participation from industries, start-ups, and research institutions.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, said that the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is accelerating India's clean energy shift and creating jobs, attracting investments, and positioning India as a global hub for green hydrogen.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025) at Bharat Mandapam, he reaffirmed India's global leadership in clean-energy transition.

On the occasion, the minister also launched the official logo of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The new NGHM logo, chosen from more than 2,500 entries nationwide, represents the people's participation in India's green journey and the collective spirit and creativity driving the Mission.

The minister said the NGHM, launched in 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, is not only a national programme but a global solution to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. He observed that the launch of NGHM marked a new phase of India's clean-energy revolution-where green hydrogen is positioned as the fuel of a new civilization and a key to long-term energy independence.

Highlighting rapid progress under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme, he informed that incentives have been awarded for 3,000 MW per annum of domestic electrolyser manufacturing and 8.62 lakh metric tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production. India now records the world's lowest green ammonia price at Rs 49.75 per kg for 7.24 lakh MTPA production.

In addition, Rs 132 crore has been invested in five pilot projects for green steel, Rs 208 crore sanctioned for 37 hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and nine refuelling stations, and Rs 35 crore provided for the country's first hydrogen bunkering and refuelling facility at V.O. Chidambaranar Port.

Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE, noted India's non-fossil installed capacity now exceeds 250 GW, including about 130 GW solar, above 50 GW wind, and 17 GW bio-energy and small hydro.

Guided by the Prime Minister's vision of "One Earth, One Family, One Future," India is on course to achieve 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, he said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 100 crore seems quite small for such an ambitious project. Hope this is just the beginning and more funds will follow. The concept is good but implementation needs to be monitored properly.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in renewable energy sector, this is exciting news! The focus on biomass-based hydrogen could create rural employment opportunities while solving waste management issues. Perfect for Indian conditions.
A
Arjun K
World's lowest green ammonia price at Rs 49.75 per kg is impressive! This shows India's potential to lead in green energy. Hope the benefits reach common people soon with affordable clean energy options.
M
Michael C
While the initiative is commendable, I hope the government ensures transparency in fund allocation. Too often, such schemes get bogged down in bureaucracy. The 2,500 logo entries show public interest - now deliver real results!
K
Kavya N
This is the future! Hydrogen from biomass can transform our energy landscape. Especially happy to see focus on start-ups and research institutions. Young innovators will drive this mission forward 💡

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50