Government launches Green Hydrogen certification portal; Allocates ₹100 Crore for startups

New Delhi, June 19: The Government of India has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) to ensure transparent certification and regulatory compliance under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme, marking another major step in the country’s clean energy transition.

The portal was launched by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, during the National Workshop on “Strengthening the National Green Hydrogen Mission: Through State Policies, Hubs & Infrastructure” organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Addressing the workshop, Joshi urged states to actively support the National Green Hydrogen Mission. “Six states have already notified dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies, while seven others have integrated hydrogen into their existing industrial and renewable energy policy frameworks. Four more states are in the process of finalising their policies,” he said.

Highlighting efforts to build domestic manufacturing capabilities, the Minister said incentives have been awarded to 15 companies to establish 3,000 MW per annum of indigenous electrolyser manufacturing capacity, reducing reliance on imports.

He further noted that contracts have been awarded for the supply of 30,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of green hydrogen to major public sector refineries, while ₹84 crore has been sanctioned for pilot projects involving 100 per cent hydrogen injection in the steel sector.

“India is creating a robust green hydrogen ecosystem spanning manufacturing, mobility, refining, steel production and research,” Joshi said.

On clean mobility, the Minister informed that nearly ₹208 crore has been allocated for 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles and nine strategic refuelling stations. In addition, ₹193.35 crore has been invested in seven national testing facilities.

The government has also strengthened innovation efforts through a dedicated research and development roadmap worth ₹113 crore, supporting 21 approved projects.

Regulatory measures have been streamlined through the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme and recently finalised standards for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol.

The Minister highlighted that agreements have been signed for the supply of 6.7 lakh MTPA of Green Ammonia to 11 fertiliser plants, a move expected to significantly reduce India’s import dependence.

Referring to India’s broader clean energy journey, Joshi said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has undertaken one of the world’s fastest and most ambitious clean energy transitions. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a key pillar of this transformation.”

Launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to establish 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual green hydrogen production capacity supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity.

The mission is expected to attract investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore, create more than 6 lakh jobs, and reduce annual carbon emissions by 50 million tonnes.

Joshi informed that incentives have already been awarded under the SIGHT programme for 8,62,000 MTPA of green hydrogen production capacity.

He also welcomed industry participation, citing the successful commissioning of a 3,600 MTPA green hydrogen plant by JSW Group in November 2025.

In a major boost to innovation, the Minister announced, “The Green Hydrogen Mission has allocated ₹100 crore to support startups working on green hydrogen technologies. The first batch of nine startups is being approved with total funding of ₹22 crore.”

The workshop was organised as part of the celebrations marking 12 Years of Decisive Achievement of the Government of India, showcasing progress in renewable energy deployment, green hydrogen development and industrial decarbonisation.