Centres of Excellence for Research and Development of National Green Hydrogen Mission

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has invited proposals for setting up ‘Centres of Excellence (CoE) under Research and Development (R&D) Scheme’ of ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’.

About the Centres of Excellence for Research and Development on Green Hydrogen

• It is part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched to propel India towards a low-carbon economy and enhance energy independence.
• The primary objective is to create world-class ‘Centres of Excellence’ that will serve as hubs for cutting-edge research, skill development, and knowledge dissemination in the field of Green Hydrogen.
• These centres aim to advance technologies related to the production, storage, and utilisation of Green Hydrogen, thereby accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Key Features of the Initiative

• Integrated Research: The CoEs will facilitate integrated research covering multiple areas within the Green Hydrogen value chain.
• It includes innovations in production methods, storage solutions, and utilisation technologies.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: The initiative encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including industry, academia, and government bodies.
• Public and private entities, research institutions, and universities are expected to form partnerships to submit proposals.
• Funding and Support: The government has allocated Rs 100 crores for setting up these centres under the Green Hydrogen Mission.
• It aims to support the establishment and operationalization of the CoEs, ensuring they have the necessary resources to drive significant advancements in Green Hydrogen technologies.
• Long-term Goals: The National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crores up to FY 2029-30, aims to contribute to India’s goal of becoming Aatma Nirbhar (self-reliant) through clean energy.
• The mission is expected to lead to substantial decarbonization of the economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and position India as a leader in Green Hydrogen technology and market.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhance Innovation: By fostering a collaborative environment, the CoEs will drive innovations that improve process efficiencies and lead to the development of new products.
• Promote Sustainability: Advancements in Green Hydrogen technologies will contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
• Boost Economic Growth: The initiative will create new opportunities for research and development, leading to job creation and economic growth in the clean energy sector.

Conclusion

• The Government of India’s call for proposals to set up Centres of Excellence for Green Hydrogen R&D marks a pivotal step towards a sustainable and energy-independent future.
• By leveraging the expertise and resources of various stakeholders, these centres will play a crucial role in advancing Green Hydrogen technologies and positioning India as a global leader in clean energy innovation.