MNRE notifies green methanol standard for India

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified the Green Methanol Standard for India, defining green methanol as methanol produced using green hydrogen and setting a limit on well-to-product greenhouse gas emissions. The standard caps emissions at 0.44 kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per kilogram of methanol.

According to an office memorandum issued on February 27, 2026, green methanol is defined as methanol (CH₃OH) produced using green hydrogen. The notification states that renewable energy used in the production process may include electricity generated from renewable sources that is either stored in an energy storage system or banked with the grid in accordance with applicable regulations.

Under the standard, total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions from green hydrogen production, methanol synthesis, purification and on-site storage are required to remain within 0.44 kg CO₂e per kilogram of methanol. The emission value is to be calculated as an average over the preceding 12-month period.

For the methanol synthesis process, carbon dioxide can be sourced from biogenic sources, direct air capture (DAC), or existing industrial sources. MNRE stated that the list of eligible carbon dioxide sources may be revised from time to time. Any such revisions will apply prospectively, with grandfathering provisions determined by the ministry.

The notification indicates that a detailed methodology for measurement, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification and certification of green methanol will be issued separately by MNRE.

The document also refers to the Green Hydrogen Standard for India, which was notified by MNRE on August 18, 2023. According to the memorandum, the definition of green hydrogen applicable to green methanol production will follow that standard, as amended from time to time.

The notification includes transition provisions for ongoing procurement processes. Any tender, bid process or solicitation issued before the notification date may continue under the terms originally specified. However, procuring entities may align such tenders with the new standard where feasible and with mutual consent of the involved parties.

The standard has been issued under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved by the Government of India to promote green hydrogen and its derivatives, including green methanol, as part of the country’s energy transition strategy.

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