Context
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently launched the ‘Scheme for New and Novel Uses of Hydrogen Production and Applications’ to promote India’s hydrogen startup ecosystem.
The initiative has been launched under the broader National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) framework.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
The mission aims to:
- Build a self-reliant green hydrogen ecosystem,
- Achieve 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of annual green hydrogen production by 2030,
- Decarbonise hard-to-abate industries,
- Make India a global clean energy export hub.
India’s hydrogen startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with nearly 249 recognised startups
by September 2025.
Objective of the Scheme
The scheme aims to support pilot projects and indigenous innovation in:
- Green hydrogen production,
- Storage technologies,
- Transportation systems,
- Industrial and decentralised applications.
The goal is to bridge the gap between research, demonstration, and commercial deployment.
Implementing Agencies
The scheme is jointly implemented by:
- National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE),
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
These agencies will evaluate, support, and monitor startup proposals.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Startup-Focused Funding
Part B of the scheme allocates ₹100 crore specifically for startup-led pilot projects.
- Financial Assistance
Eligible startups can receive grants of up to ₹5 crore per pilot project to scale technologies from demonstration to commercial pilot stages.
- Innovation Areas Supported
The scheme supports innovations in:
- Electrolysers,
- Biomass-to-hydrogen technologies,
- Fuel cells,
- Hydrogen-powered drones,
- AI-enabled energy grids,
- Hydrogen sensors,
- Decentralised hydrogen applications.
Significance of the Scheme
The initiative is significant because it:
- Strengthens domestic R&D capabilities,
- Encourages clean energy entrepreneurship,
- Reduces dependence on imported technologies,
- Supports India’s energy transition,
- Helps reduce green hydrogen production costs.
The scheme contributes to India’s target of reducing green hydrogen cost to nearly $1.5 per kg by 2030.
Conclusion
The scheme reflects India’s push towards innovation-driven clean energy development. By supporting startups and indigenous technologies, India aims to become a global leader in the green hydrogen economy.