Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Friday emphasized the transformative potential of green hydrogen in India’s clean energy journey, describing it as the “fuel of the future” and calling upon Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to actively participate in developing innovative technologies for its production.
Addressing a workshop on opportunities under the National Green Hydrogen Mission for MSMEs in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted the critical role that smaller enterprises can play in accelerating the country’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions. He noted that MSMEs possess the capability to contribute significantly through manufacturing excellence, engineering expertise, and technological innovation.
“Green hydrogen represents a major pillar of India’s future energy security and sustainability strategy. MSMEs have the strength to provide critical support in manufacturing, engineering, and developing innovative technologies that can help India emerge as a global leader in renewable energy,” Mr. Joshi said.
During the event, the Minister launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India, a key initiative aimed at ensuring transparency, credibility, and standardization in the production of green hydrogen across the country. The certification framework is expected to establish clear benchmarks for green hydrogen production and facilitate greater trust among domestic and international stakeholders.
According to the Minister, the certification scheme will play a crucial role in promoting a robust green hydrogen ecosystem by verifying that hydrogen production meets established sustainability standards. It is also expected to strengthen India’s position in the global clean energy market and attract investments in the sector.
The workshop focused on creating awareness among MSMEs regarding emerging opportunities under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to make India a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Industry representatives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts participated in discussions on technology development, manufacturing prospects, and supply chain integration.
Highlighting India’s growing international engagement in the green hydrogen sector, Mr. Joshi revealed that the country has entered into an agreement with Japan for the supply of approximately 4.12 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen derivatives. The agreement reflects increasing global demand for clean energy alternatives and underscores India’s potential as a major exporter in the emerging hydrogen economy.
The Minister stated that the partnership with Japan is a significant milestone in India’s efforts to build international collaborations in renewable energy and clean fuel technologies. He expressed confidence that such agreements would open new avenues for Indian industries while supporting global decarbonization goals.
Mr. Joshi further reiterated the government’s ambitious targets under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. He said the Ministry is working towards achieving a production capacity of five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, in line with the vision laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The target forms a central component of India’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, lower carbon emissions, and promote energy self-reliance. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, is considered a crucial solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors including steel, cement, refining, fertilizers, and heavy transportation.
The Minister also stressed that the success of the mission would depend on strong collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, research institutions, and MSMEs. He encouraged entrepreneurs and innovators to seize emerging opportunities in hydrogen production technologies, electrolyzer manufacturing, storage solutions, and related value chains.
With the launch of the certification scheme and increasing international partnerships, India is steadily advancing toward its goal of becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production. The government’s continued focus on innovation, investment, and industrial participation is expected to accelerate the growth of a sustainable hydrogen economy while creating new opportunities for businesses and employment across the country.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
