Govt launches Rs 100 Cr scheme for green hydrogen startups

The Union government has launched a Rs 100-crore scheme to support startups working on green hydrogen production.

“The scheme will provide up to Rs 5 crore per project for pilot initiatives in hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilisation technologies,” said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

At a two-day conference beginning Thursday, 25 startups are showcasing innovations ranging from electrolyser manufacturing to AI-driven optimisation and biological hydrogen solutions.

Joshi said the initiative is aimed at turning research into practical solutions that can power industries, clean cities, and create lakhs of jobs across India. He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in 2023, to make India a global hub for green hydrogen.

With an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, NGHM rests on four pillars: Policy and Regulatory Framework, Demand Creation, R&D and Innovation, and Enabling Infrastructure.

The dedicated R&D scheme under NGHM has already awarded 23 projects in areas such as safety, hydrogen production from biomass, and hydrogen applications. These are being implemented by leading IITs, IISERs, CSIR labs, and industry partners. The second round of R&D proposals, launched on July 14, will remain open until September 15.

International collaborations are also growing under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, with over 30 joint proposals received on hydrogen production from wastewater.