Revised green hydrogen mission to launch pilot clusters and major hubs

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued revised guidelines for the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), introducing clearer implementation plans for Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) and Green Hydrogen Hubs. 

The revised guidelines, which replace the earlier version released in March 2024, integrate four HVIC pilot projects into the larger Hydrogen Hub framework, earmarking Rs 172 crore for their development.

HVICs are intended to serve as small-scale testbeds for GH₂ technologies. These clusters will demonstrate end-to-end capabilities across production, storage, distribution, and use in applications such as transport and chemicals. They will be set up across regions and managed as public-private partnerships by not-for-profit companies under Section 8 of the Companies Act. While MNRE will fund technology and operations, no support is offered for land acquisition. HVICs must secure land independently and show long-term viability.

In parallel, the Green Hydrogen Hubs focus on large-scale commercial deployment, with each hub requiring a minimum capacity of 100,000 Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). These hubs will be strategically located near industrial belts or ports to serve domestic demand and facilitate exports. The guidelines allocate Rs 28 crore for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), with a cap of Rs 3 crore per DPR. Hubs that do not seek financial assistance may still be officially recognised to avail of other government-linked benefits.

Implementation responsibilities are split. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will manage HVICs via a designated Scheme Implementing Agency (SIA). MNRE will oversee Green Hydrogen Hubs, also through its own SIA. Both components will leverage existing infrastructure and align with the PM Gati Shakti platform for integrated planning.

HVIC funding will follow a milestone-based disbursement: 40% upon approval, 40% after 80% fund utilisation, and the remaining 20% after GH₂ production begins within 18 months. Monitoring will be carried out through Steering and Project Appraisal Committees to ensure progress and resolve bottlenecks.

In parallel, MNRE also launched the second call for proposals under the R&D component of the NGHM. The call invites submissions until 21 August 2025, aiming to support the development of affordable, efficient, and scalable green hydrogen technologies.

A total of Rs 400 crore from the mission budget is reserved for R&D. The scheme was operationalised in March 2023 and supported 23 projects in its first round in 2024. The second round seeks to fund both new and revised proposals that improve cost-effectiveness, safety, efficiency, and deployment potential of green hydrogen technologies.

Eligible applicants include academic institutions, government and private R&D centres, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and companies with in-house research capabilities. Proposals must align with the NGHM’s R&D roadmap and focus on production, storage, transport, and end-use applications.

The scheme offers up to 100% funding for public, academic, and non-profit entities. Private institutions may receive up to 80%, subject to advisory caps.  

This second R&D call builds on early momentum and aims to accelerate India’s transition to a low-carbon, self-reliant energy system.