Electrolyser PLI Manufacturers Eye 2027 Launch, Testing India’s Green Hydrogen Timeline – EQ
In Short : Several companies selected under India’s electrolyser PLI scheme have sought to defer their manufacturing launch by a year, shifting timelines from 2026 to 2027. The move, already conveyed to the government, may impact India’s green hydrogen targets. Challenges around technology readiness and scale-up are key factors, though the PLI aims to boost domestic electrolyser production.
In Detail : Several companies awarded incentives under India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electrolyser manufacturing are seeking to push back their launch timelines. Initially, these firms were expected to begin production by 2026, but most are now aiming for 2027. The deferment has already been communicated to the government, which is reviewing the situation carefully.
This request for delay comes at a crucial time, as India has set ambitious green hydrogen targets that depend heavily on timely electrolyser manufacturing. Electrolysers are vital for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity, and any slowdown in their availability could disrupt project schedules and energy transition goals.
The PLI scheme was designed to encourage domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and reduce reliance on imports from global suppliers. It aims to foster a local supply chain, enhance technological capabilities, and position India as a hub for green hydrogen technology. A delay could dilute some of these intended benefits in the short term.
Industry experts suggest that several factors may be driving the deferment. These include supply chain constraints, technology readiness issues, the need for larger investment commitments, and challenges in scaling up operations. Together, such hurdles have made companies cautious about rushing into early production deadlines.
The government, while keen to accelerate India’s clean energy goals, may need to show flexibility in its approach. Adjusting timelines or revisiting incentive structures could ensure companies remain committed to the program without compromising the integrity of the PLI framework.
If delays persist, ripple effects could be felt across India’s planned hydrogen ecosystem. Project developers relying on domestically produced electrolysers may face uncertainty, while imports could temporarily fill the gap. This could influence project costs, investment schedules, and the pace of green hydrogen adoption nationwide.
Despite the setback, the deferment may also reflect realism and prudence. Companies are taking the time to ensure that technology, manufacturing processes, and infrastructure are fully ready before launching. This could ultimately strengthen the quality and reliability of India’s electrolyser manufacturing industry.
For India, achieving scale and competitiveness in electrolyser production remains essential to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen. The PLI scheme, even with delays, continues to provide a strong incentive for private players to invest in domestic capacity and long-term innovation.
In the bigger picture, the deferment highlights the challenges of balancing ambition with execution in energy transition policies. While timelines may shift, the strategic importance of electrolysers and the role of the PLI scheme remain unchanged in India’s pathway to a low-carbon future.
