CGHA Impact Interview:
India’s Strategic Approach to Green Hydrogen and Low-carbon Technologies
In this Impact Interview session, held at the Connecting Green Hydrogen APAC 2024 conference, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology Department at the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology. Dr. Gupta’s insights reflect India's proactive stance in advancing green hydrogen and sustainable technologies. With ambitious goals and strategic international collaborations, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global energy transition. The interview underscored the critical role of industry partnerships and technological innovation in achieving these objectives.
Executive Summary:
India’s Green Hydrogen Strategy:
India's green hydrogen strategy focuses on establishing a robust hydrogen ecosystem, aligning with its 2030 and 2070 climate goals. Dr. Gupta outlined key objectives:
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Short-Term Goals (2030): Achieve a 50% share of renewables in the energy mix, reduce carbon emissions, and install 500 gigawatts of renewable energy.
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Long-Term Goals (2070): Reach net-zero carbon emissions.
Technological Developments and Partnerships:
Dr. Gupta discussed India's commitment to green hydrogen technology and its role in the APAC region. She highlighted:
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Hydrogen Valleys: India aims to set up at least four hydrogen valleys as part of its National Green Hydrogen Mission.
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Electrolyzer Capacity: By 2030, India targets 125 gigawatts of electrolyzer capacity and 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen production.
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Global Collaboration: The country is forging partnerships globally to advance hydrogen production, storage, and utilization technologies. India’s partnerships with countries like Denmark, France, Australia, Singapore, and Korea are instrumental in these efforts.
Challenges and Solutions:
Dr. Gupta acknowledged the high costs associated with green hydrogen due to current electricity prices. She advocated for a dual approach involving both blue and green hydrogen to mitigate these challenges. This includes leveraging technologies for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and enhancing energy efficiency in the building sector.
Future Pathways and Industry Advice:
Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of industry collaboration with technology institutions. She urged industries to focus on technologies at readiness levels 3 and 4, which are closer to market readiness. This collaboration, alongside government and academia efforts, is essential for accelerating the transition to new technologies.
“Our government is committed to serious measures that will enable our industry to advance green hydrogen technology, aiming to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export by 2030.
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- Dr. Anita Gupta
Head of the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology Department, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India