India’s MNRE Invites Proposals for Green Hydrogen Centers of Excellence under National Mission

India’s MNRE has called for proposals to establish Green Hydrogen Centers of Excellence under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with applications due by December 19, 2024. Selected entities will drive advancements in hydrogen R&D with up to 50% funding support.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a new initiative to advance India's green hydrogen capabilities by inviting proposals to establish Centers of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s (NGHM) Research and Development program. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals by December 19, 2024, for a chance to receive up to 50% of the project’s funding to foster green hydrogen innovation across production, storage, and application sectors.

Fostering Green Hydrogen Ecosystems in India

The primary objective of these CoEs is to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen technologies. As designated hubs for advanced research and skill development, the centers will foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, creating a network for knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Selected entities are tasked with identifying and implementing innovative solutions for green hydrogen production, storage, and transportation.

The MNRE’s call for proposals encourages participation from academic and research institutions, government entities, public sector undertakings, and private organizations with experience in green hydrogen technology. Industrial players with established infrastructure can also partner with these institutions to accelerate research and development, enabling the scaling up of technologies that have already achieved a moderate level of readiness.

Funding and Intellectual Property Focus

To support this mission, the NGHM R&D program has allocated a total budget of approximately ₹197.44 billion ($2.3 billion), with ₹4 billion ($47.5 million) set aside specifically for research activities. Selected institutions will retain intellectual property rights developed within these CoEs, in line with the mission's regulatory framework, allowing them to capitalize on their innovations and contribute to the global green hydrogen landscape.

Recent Initiatives Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission

The mission’s ambition to make India a green hydrogen hub extends beyond R&D. In October, MNRE approved three pilot projects aimed at utilizing hydrogen for steel production. With €3.47 billion ($41.28 million) allocated for these projects, they are expected to enhance the mission’s goals by exploring hydrogen as a sustainable alternative in energy-intensive industries. These pilot projects are expected to be operational within the next three years, aligning with the mission’s roadmap to scale sustainable technologies across multiple sectors.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, underscores India’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions, optimizing renewable resources, and paving the way for hydrogen to play a central role in achieving a carbon-neutral economy. Through robust funding and a focus on innovation, India is well-positioned to become a key player in the global green hydrogen arena, fostering an ecosystem that supports economic and environmental sustainability.