Overview
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, addressed the 3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH–2025) in New Delhi, emphasizing India's pivotal role in the global transition to a self-reliant hydrogen economy. He highlighted that clean energy is now an economic and strategic imperative for India's growth, driven by collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
Key Developments
Hydrogen Valley Initiatives
- Four Hydrogen Valleys are being developed across India to demonstrate the complete green hydrogen value chain, from production to utilization.
- The total investment for these valleys is ₹485 crore, with ₹169.89 crore allocated under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and ₹315.43 crore from industry partners.
- These Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs), conceptualized by DST and integrated under MNRE’s NGHM, will serve as living laboratories for innovation and policy development.
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme
- The RDI Scheme, launched on November 3, 2025, has a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore.
- ₹20,000 crore is allocated for the Department of Science and Technology to strengthen deep-tech and clean energy innovation.
- The scheme encourages active participation from startups and industry, shifting from government-driven funding to a collaborative model.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
- The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a landmark reform to integrate academia, industry, and government.
- The Foundation will align India’s scientific capabilities with national priorities in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability.
Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA–EV)
- The Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA–EV) promotes indigenous innovation in electric mobility and hydrogen fuel technologies.
- This initiative reflects India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat spirit by bringing together public research institutions and private partners.
Global Collaboration
- Under Mission Innovation 2.0, India is working with international partners to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen to USD 2 per kilogram by 2030.
- India aims to replicate its Hydrogen Valley model globally, demonstrating leadership in clean energy collaboration.
Exam Relevance
This news article is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly for GS Paper III (Science and Technology, Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment) and GS Paper II (Government Policies and International Relations). It highlights key government initiatives and international collaborations aimed at promoting green hydrogen and sustainable energy solutions.
Important Facts for Prelims
- ICGH–2025: 3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen held in New Delhi.
- Hydrogen Valleys: Four valleys being developed across India with ₹485 crore investment.
- NGHM Allocation: ₹169.89 crore allocated under the National Green Hydrogen Mission for Hydrogen Valleys.
- RDI Scheme: ₹1 lakh crore corpus with ₹20,000 crore for the Department of Science and Technology.
- ANRF: Anusandhan National Research Foundation to integrate academia, industry, and government.
- Mission Innovation 2.0: Aims to reduce clean hydrogen cost to USD 2 per kilogram by 2030.
Potential Mains Questions
- Discuss the significance of green hydrogen in achieving India's energy security and sustainable development goals.
- Analyze the role of government policies and initiatives, such as the RDI Scheme and NGHM, in promoting clean energy innovation.
- Evaluate the potential of Hydrogen Valleys in fostering regional economic development and technological advancements.
- Assess India's contributions to global clean energy collaboration through initiatives like Mission Innovation 2.0.
- Examine the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy in India.
Essay Themes
- The Future of Energy: India's Transition to a Green Hydrogen Economy
- Innovation and Collaboration: Key Drivers for Sustainable Development
- India's Role in Global Climate Action: Challenges and Opportunities