Govt launches Rs 100 cr fund to boost green hydrogen startups

25 startups are showcasing their innovations, including electrolyser manufacturing, AI-driven optimisation, biological hydrogen solutions

New Delhi: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Thursday launched a Rs100 crore Call for Proposals to support start-ups working on green hydrogen innovation.

The announcement was made at the 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R& D Conference organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in the national capital.

The scheme will provide funding of up to Rs 5 crore per project for pilot projects in areas such as hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilisation technologies.

At the conference, 25 startups are showcasing their innovations, including electrolyser manufacturing, 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 generate lakhs of new jobs across the country.

He underlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, to make India a global hub for green hydrogen.

The minister also highlighted the progress made so far, including 23 R&D projects already awarded in areas like safety and integration, hydrogen production from biomass, and hydrogen applications.

India’s first port-based green hydrogen pilot project at VO Chidambaranar Port, hydrogen buses and refuelling stations, and pilot projects in the steel and shipping sectors were cited as examples of the mission moving from vision to action.

Joshi pointed out that India recently discovered a record low price of Rs 49.75 per kg in its first-ever green ammonia auction, compared to Rs 100.28 per kg in 2024, marking a big step forward in affordability.