Green Hydrogen Mission to Save Rs 1 Lakh Crore on Fuel Imports

New Delhi, October 28: The government has outlined a target of producing 50 lakh metric tonnes, or 5 MMT, of green hydrogen annually by 2030. A factsheet released on Wednesday presents the initiative as a major move to safeguard energy security, lessen dependence on imported fossil fuels and secure India's leadership in clean energy.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission is expected to save about Rs 1 lakh crore in fossil fuel import costs by 2030. Officials say this will help the country build a cleaner, more self-reliant and more competitive economy.

The mission is also meant to fuel industrial growth, investment and employment. The government estimates it will attract over Rs 8 lakh crore in investment and generate more than 6 lakh jobs in areas including manufacturing, infrastructure, research and project development.

According to the factsheet, the planned volume of green hydrogen production and use could prevent nearly 5 crore tonnes (50 MMT) of carbon dioxide emissions every year. This would make a notable contribution to India's climate objectives.

So far, six states have notified dedicated green hydrogen policies: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Haryana, Punjab, Bihar and Kerala are in the final stages of preparing their policies.

Several other states, including Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh, have added green hydrogen to their existing industrial and renewable energy policies.

On the international front, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has concluded agreements, letters of intent and joint declarations with Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Uzbekistan. A memorandum of understanding on renewable energy cooperation has also been signed with the Netherlands.

The India-US Hydrogen Task Force, formed under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, adds another layer to bilateral cooperation. Green hydrogen is also a key area under the India-US RETAP action plan.

To build confidence in Indian green hydrogen, the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India was launched in April 2025. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency accredits certification agencies, and a dedicated digital portal was introduced in June 2026. The government says credible certification will help Indian producers compete more effectively in global markets.

Ultimately, the government aims to cut industrial carbon emissions, strengthen domestic manufacturing and establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, use and export. The effort also supports the Viksit Bharat vision for 2047 and the commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.