Why in the news?

  • The Union Minister for Science and Technology announced that there are four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters being developed in India.

Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVIC)

  • What is it?:
    • HVICs are geographical clusters designed to demonstrate the complete green hydrogen value-chain.
    • They are part of India’s strategy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to build a domestic ecosystem for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
  • Features:
    • HVICs are part of the component ecosystem under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
    • The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has identified HVICs as one of its clean-energy innovation tracks.
    • Four HVICs are being developed across India with a total investment of ₹ 485 crore.
  • Significance:
    • Accelerate localisation: manufacturing of electrolyser units, pipelines, storage, refuelling infrastructure, etc.
    • Skill development, R&D and technology validation: e.g., curricula, incubation, think-tank, standards/regulation.
    • Decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors by providing a cluster-based hydrogen ecosystem (supports NGHM’s goals).

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

  • Nodal Ministry: Launched by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2023.
  • Mission Purpose: To make India a global hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen & its derivatives (Green Ammonia, Green Methanol).
  • Major Targets: Achieve by 2030-
    • 5 million tonnes/year Green Hydrogen production
    • 125 GW renewable energy capacity dedicated for GH2
    • Over ₹8 lakh crore expected investments
    • Import savings: > ₹1 lakh crore per year (on fossil fuels)
    • Employment: ~6 lakh jobs
  • Key Components:
    • SIGHT Programme (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition): Incentivising Green Hydrogen production as well as Electrolyser manufacturing.
    • Pilot Projects: 3 thematic pilots- Steel, Mobility and Shipping.
    • R&D Programme for Green Hydrogen storage, transportation and safety codes.
    • Hydrogen Hubs: Development of Green Hydrogen Hubs in states with high renewables and industrial demand clusters.