Green Hydrogen Critical to India’s Energy Security and Net Zero Vision, Says BEE Director General – EQ
In Short : Bureau of Energy Efficiency Director General emphasized that green hydrogen will play a vital role in strengthening India’s energy security and achieving its net zero targets. Highlighting its potential to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, he underscored policy support, efficiency measures, and industry collaboration as key pillars for scaling up hydrogen production and infrastructure nationwide.
In Detail : Green hydrogen is emerging as a cornerstone of India’s long-term energy transition strategy, particularly in the context of energy security and decarbonization. The Director General of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency highlighted that as India’s energy demand continues to grow, diversifying fuel sources and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels will be essential for sustainable economic development.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy-powered electrolysis, offers a pathway to significantly cut emissions in sectors that are difficult to electrify directly. Heavy industries such as steel, cement, refining, and fertilizers require high-temperature processes and chemical feedstocks, making hydrogen a promising alternative to conventional fossil-based fuels.
From an energy security perspective, scaling domestic green hydrogen production can reduce reliance on imported crude oil, natural gas, and coking coal. By leveraging India’s expanding renewable energy capacity, particularly solar and wind, the country can create a self-reliant hydrogen ecosystem that strengthens strategic resilience.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has been working on frameworks to improve industrial efficiency and promote cleaner technologies. Integrating green hydrogen into existing efficiency programs can accelerate adoption while ensuring that industries transition in a cost-effective and performance-driven manner.
Policy support remains a critical enabler. Clear regulatory frameworks, production incentives, demand aggregation mechanisms, and infrastructure planning for storage and transport will determine the pace at which green hydrogen scales. Public-private collaboration will also be essential to mobilize investment and technological innovation.
The development of electrolyzer manufacturing capacity within India is another strategic priority. Localizing production can lower costs, generate employment, and build technological expertise, positioning India as a competitive player in the global hydrogen economy.
In addition to domestic use, green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green ammonia, present export opportunities. As global markets intensify decarbonization efforts, countries with abundant renewable resources can emerge as suppliers of clean fuels to energy-importing nations seeking low-carbon alternatives.
Ultimately, the emphasis on green hydrogen reflects a broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions while sustaining economic growth. By aligning renewable expansion, industrial policy, and innovation under a unified strategy, India can strengthen energy independence and accelerate its journey toward a low-carbon future.
