ICGH 2025 puts India firmly on track for a hydrogen-powered future

In a resounding affirmation of India’s clean energy ambitions, the third International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025) concluded in capital on last Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward decarbonisation and energy security.

It was held under the aegis of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). It was held on November 11-12 drew over 1,000 delegates from around the globe, including Union ministers, industry leaders, scientists, and policymakers.

The conference culminated in the launch of the official National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) logo- a symbol of collective national creativity- and reinforced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilization, and export.

A Catalyst for Change

The conference opened with Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, declaring green hydrogen not merely an option, but an ‘economic necessity.’ Addressing the inaugural session, Joshi emphasized the government’s focus on innovative technologies using biomass and waste materials to produce green hydrogen.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is not just following the world, but leading by example in the clean energy transition,” he stated, unveiling the NGHM logo selected from over 2,500 public entries.

“This is truly the people’s logo, born out of shared creativity, unity, and the collective will to power India’s green future.”

Apart from Joshi, Prof. Ajay K Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, also spoke. “India can produce green hydrogen at the lowest cost in the world, opening huge export opportunities to Europe, Japan, South Korea, and beyond,” he said.

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, who has tracked India’s progress since the 2022 India-EU Green Hydrogen Talks. “I have witnessed the entire journey—from when green hydrogen was something new in India to today when you are becoming a global leader. This conference has very, very big global importance,” he remarked.

Job creation, innovation, and ecosystem building

On the second day, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the mission’s potential for massive job creation through startups, bolstered by proactive banking and financial support.

With a $2.4 billion outlay, the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is a cornerstone of India’s Net Zero by 2070 pathway, targeting decarbonization in heavy industries, transportation, and power generation.

Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy & Power, Shripad Naik, described Bharat Mandapam as the “global epicentre of ideas, innovation, and inspiration for a cleaner and greener future.” He outlined India’s renewable energy surge, with non-fossil fuel capacity nearing 260 GW through solar, wind, hybrids, storage, and grid modernization.

“This strong renewable foundation has now empowered India to take the next decisive step—the Green Hydrogen Revolution—converting our renewable strength into clean molecules,” Naik urged industry to ramp up electrolyser manufacturing, states to build hydrogen hubs, and financiers to embrace the sector as a long-term opportunity.

Shailender Bebortha, Country Head (India) for Yamnaco Limited, praised India’s targets, citing robust renewable capacity, a stable grid, and extensive coastline for exporting green molecules. Yamnaco is developing large-scale projects in Oman, Morocco, Brazil, and India,including a recent MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government.

“The conference has been a great place to brainstorm and gather thoughts on the future roadmap,” he noted. Talking about his company’s big plans in Andhra, he said that “The state’s rich renewable energy potential, progressive policy framework, and strategic location make it an ideal destination for green hydrogen development.

This project will not only support India’s decarbonisation goals but also position Andhra Pradesh as a key player in the global green hydrogen economy.”

Delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and European nations participated enthusiastically, fostering international partnerships. The event’s timing—post-Diwali—symbolized a shift from traditional festivities to a fossil-fuel-free future, blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

Overview of Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources like solar or wind, making it a zero-emission energy carrier. Unlike grey hydrogen (from natural gas) or blue hydrogen (with carbon capture), it aligns with global decarbonization goals.

In India, it represents a strategic pivot toward energy security, reduced fossil fuel imports, and net-zero emissions by 2070. India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) Launched on January 4, 2023, by the Union Cabinet, the NGHM is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) with a budget of Rs19,744 crore (about $2.4 billion) until 2029-30. Its core aim is to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen Current Progress and Projects.

It goes without saying that India’s green hydrogen ecosystem is accelerating: Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL),Reliance Industries,Adani Green, ReNew Power and other companies are investing this field. With PM Modi’s push- highlighted in recent X posts as driving an “Rs 8 lakh crore clean energy revolution”- India is on track for a hydrogen-led industrial shift.

Global collaborations and policy tweaks will be pivotal to unlock its potential as the “world’s cheapest hub” by 2050. Finally, ICGH 2025 has emerged as more than a conference—it’s a blueprint for action under Modi’s leadership, propelling India toward green hydrogen supremacy and a sustainable tomorrow.

(The author is Delhi-based senior journalist and writer. He is author of Gandhi's Delhi which has brought to the forth many hidden facts about Mahatma Gandhi)