India may delay 5 MMT green hydrogen goal amid global headwinds

India is likely to miss its goal of producing 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030 due to global uncertainties, said Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), at the 3rd International Green Hydrogen Conference.

Launched in 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) targets 5 MMT of annual production by 2030 to support India’s clean energy transition. The Mission is expected to attract over Rs 8 lakh crore in investments, cut fossil fuel imports by more than Rs 1 lakh crore, and create around six lakh jobs.

India has begun sectoral pilots, including the country’s first port-based green hydrogen project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port and hydrogen mobility trials across 10 routes with 37 vehicles. So far, 19 companies have been allotted a total capacity of 862,000 tonnes of green hydrogen and 15 firms approved for 3,000 MW of electrolyser manufacturing.

With an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore till FY 2030, the Mission includes Rs 17,490 crore for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme, Rs 1,466 crore for pilot projects, and Rs 400 crore for R&D. Three major ports, Deendayal, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Paradip, have been designated as Green Hydrogen Hubs.

The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme launched in April 2025 sets national standards for emission limits and certification, with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) as the nodal authority. R&D efforts under the Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP) are supporting 23 projects in hydrogen production, storage, and safety.

Despite possible delays in achieving its 2030 target, India’s policy framework, pilot activity, and global partnerships are establishing a strong foundation for a domestic green hydrogen economy.