BharatNotes What is Green Hydrogen Mission?
The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is a flagship clean-energy programme approved by the Union Cabinet on 4 January 2023, with an initial outlay of ₹19,744 crore up to FY 2029-30 (Cabinet approval, Jan 2023). Implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), its central goal is to make India a global hub for the production, utilisation and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives (such as green ammonia and green methanol).
Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, emitting no carbon at the point of production — unlike "grey" hydrogen made from natural gas.
Key Targets and Financial Outlay
The Mission sets the following targets for 2030 (as per MNRE, Jan 2023):
| Parameter | Target by 2030 |
|---|---|
| Green hydrogen production | At least 5 MMT per annum |
| Associated renewable energy addition | About 125 GW |
| Investments mobilised | Over ₹8 lakh crore |
| Jobs created | Over 6 lakh |
| Fossil-fuel import reduction | Over ₹1 lakh crore |
| CO2 emissions averted | Nearly 50 MMT per annum |
The ₹19,744 crore outlay is split as: SIGHT programme ₹17,490 crore, pilot projects ₹1,466 crore, R&D ₹400 crore, and other components ₹388 crore.
Core Components
- SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition): the supply-side incentive backbone, with two mechanisms — an incentive for green hydrogen production (₹13,050 crore) and an incentive for domestic electrolyser manufacturing (₹4,440 crore), administered through SECI.
- Green Hydrogen Standard: Notified by MNRE in August 2023, India defines green hydrogen as having a well-to-gate emission intensity of not more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of H2 (12-month average), covering both electrolysis- and biomass-based routes.
- Pilot projects in steel, mobility and shipping; development of Green Hydrogen Hubs; and an enabling framework including the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI).
Significance
Green hydrogen offers a route to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors — oil refining, fertilisers, steel, and heavy/long-haul transport — that resist direct electrification. By substituting imported fossil fuels and grey hydrogen, it advances energy security, supports India's net-zero-by-2070 pledge, and positions India as a potential green hydrogen exporter. It also creates a domestic clean-tech manufacturing base for electrolysers.
Current Status
Under SIGHT, SECI has awarded green hydrogen production capacity and 3,000 MW per annum of electrolyser manufacturing capacity to selected firms (as of 2025). Allocations have been made to public-sector oil and fertiliser units, and India's first port-based green hydrogen plant was inaugurated at Deendayal Port, Kandla (Gujarat), in July 2025. Cost-competitiveness versus grey hydrogen, water requirements, and renewable-power firming remain key challenges.
UPSC Angle
Expect Prelims factual recall (year, ministry, 5 MMT target, ₹19,744 crore outlay, 2 kg CO2e standard) and Mains analytical framing on energy transition, import substitution and climate commitments. Cross-link with India's renewable targets and the broader hydrogen economy.
