MNRE allocates Rs 200Cr for new green hydrogen scheme in household, commercial space

As the government looks to broadening the use of green hydrogen beyond the scope of the National Mission, the MNRE Ministry has come up with a new pilot program aimed at exploring innovative methods for producing and using green hydrogen across residential, commercial and community environments.

The new scheme will have a budget allocation of Rs 200 crore and it will run through the fiscal year 2025-26. The primary objective is to encourage unconventional and decentralized uses of green hydrogen. The sectors in focus will be those where potential remains untapped. The government is particularly interested in supporting advanced technologies such as floating solar-based hydrogen production, hydrogen derived from biomass, and hydrogen generated from wastewater.

A notable aspect of this scheme is its focus on employing green hydrogen as a ‘decentralized energy source’ for diverse uses, from cooking and heating to off-grid power generation and off-road vehicles. These pilot projects will assess the technical feasibility of using green hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel for household appliances, community services, and city gas networks. This approach could be transformative, offering remote communities access to cleaner and sustainable energy solutions.

Safety and reliability are top priorities, as the initiative seeks to demonstrate the safe use of green hydrogen across various settings. By testing its performance in multiple environments, MNRE aims to establish green hydrogen as a viable substitute for conventional fuels. This effort aligns with India’s broader mission to advance sustainable energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

The scheme has been formally approved by the MNRE, with authorization from the Integrated Finance Division. Comprehensive guidelines have been issued to ensure the pilot projects are implemented safely and effectively, ensuring a structured rollout across all designated sectors.