In preparation for the forthcoming G20 Leaders' Summit, a significant Conference on "Green Hydrogen Pilots" took place today, September 5, 2023, at New Delhi, India. The event, organized by the NTPC saw dignitaries, experts, and industry leaders gather to explore the pivotal role of green hydrogen in India's energy future.
The inauguration of this essential conference was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R K Singh. Shri Singh, while addressing the audience, underscored India's rapid economic growth and the recent surge in power consumption, affirming that these developments mirror India's overall progress. He emphasized the significance of green hydrogen and its derivatives as the catalyst for transforming India from a net energy importer into a net energy exporter.
Shri Bhupinder S. Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, shed light on the substantial budget allocation of ₹20,000 Crores for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. He also revealed encouraging provisions of ₹1466 Crores dedicated to green hydrogen pilot projects. Notably, institutions such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) are actively developing Green Hydrogen Standards tailored for India's unique requirements.
Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC, highlighted the visionary approach adopted by NTPC, which embarked on several Green Hydrogen pilot projects three years ago. He provided insights into the progress of these projects, including the Kawas blending project, mobility initiatives in Leh and Delhi, and the Green Methanol Project at Vindhyachal.
The seminar offered a comprehensive showcase of diverse Green Hydrogen Pilots, showcasing the collaborative efforts of both public and private sector entities in India. Notable organizations such as NTPC, NHPC, THDC, IOCL, Cochin Shipyard, Ashok Leyland, ACME, L&T, HYGENCO, H2E, and Sohhytec presented their pilot projects spanning areas like mobility, PNG blending, hydrogen combustion engines, green steel and ethanol, shipping, solar-to-hydrogen conversion, and Green Hydrogen generation from low-grade water and municipal solid waste (MSW).
In addition to shedding light on the path forward, the seminar emphasized the need for unified efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The event served as a platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices in the realm of green hydrogen, aligning India's energy landscape with global sustainability goals.
This conference marked a significant step towards positioning India as a leader in green hydrogen technology and underscored the country's commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.