The India Hydrogen Alliance (IH2A) has welcomed six new members to its growing coalition. This strategic expansion strengthens the alliance’s efforts to develop India’s hydrogen ecosystem. The membership now includes 26 organizations, with 16 industry leaders and 10 partner organizations.
The alliance has welcomed several prominent organizations into its ranks. New members include Sumitomo Corporation India and Worley Limited. Jindal Renewable Power and HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) have also joined. Law firm Trilegal and Cochin Shipyard Limited complete the list of new additions.
IH2A recently submitted important reports to advance India’s hydrogen economy development. These include the $5bn National Green Hydrogen Hub Economic Viability and Development Plan. The alliance also presented the $50bn Hydrogen Equipment and Exports Potential Report to the government.
Strategic Impact of New Members
Key contributions from new members include:
- Sumitomo Corporation: Expertise in global energy infrastructure development
- HPCL-Mittal Energy: Extensive refining and energy distribution capabilities
- Jindal Renewable Power: Renewable energy project implementation experience
- Cochin Shipyard: Marine transport innovation and vessel development
- Trilegal: Legal expertise in energy sector regulations
- Worley: Technical consulting and project management capabilities
IH2A works closely with central and state government agencies to promote hydrogen development. The alliance’s membership now spans the entire global and Indian hydrogen value chain. IH2A Secretariat lead Amrit Singh Deo highlighted the strategic importance of these new partnerships.
These companies are positioned as potential future offtake entities. Cochin Shipyard brings expertise in developing hydrogen-powered vessels to the alliance. Technical and contracting capabilities come from new members Trilegal and Worley.
Their expertise becomes crucial as more long-term offtake contracts are signed. These members will support projects moving toward the Final Investment Decision stage.
Marine Transport Innovation
Cochin Shipyard Limited has made significant strides in sustainable marine transport. Chief General Manager Deepu Surendran discussed their alignment with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. The company recently launched India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell catamaran ferry vessel.
Surendran expressed optimism about the alliance’s potential to unite global stakeholders. He emphasized their commitment to identifying projects that advance marine transport decarbonization. The company aims to develop more emission-free transport solutions through this partnership.
India’s Green Hydrogen Progress
India’s government has launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission with significant financial backing. The initiative received an initial investment of $2.3 billion from the government. Their target aims for five million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen production.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set ambitious cost reduction goals. They aim to bring production costs down to $1-2 per kilogram. Several states are establishing Green Hydrogen Hubs to accelerate development.
Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan are leading the way in hub development. These states offer various incentives to attract private investment. The support includes land allocation and infrastructure development assistance.
Major Indian corporations have shown strong commitment to green hydrogen development. Reliance Industries plans to achieve hydrogen production costs below $1 per kilogram. This ambitious target could significantly influence global market prices by 2030.
Industry Challenges
The green hydrogen sector faces several significant hurdles in India. High production costs remain a major challenge for industry players. Limited infrastructure creates obstacles for widespread adoption and distribution.
India currently depends heavily on imported electrolysers for hydrogen production. The industry also struggles with securing reliable sources of critical materials. These challenges require strategic solutions for long-term sustainability.
The UK India Business Council has identified key requirements for sector growth. Industry leaders emphasize the need for a green hydrogen purchase obligation. This would help establish a stable market for the emerging domestic industry.
Recent research highlights several crucial development areas. Clear regulatory frameworks must guide industry growth and investment. Infrastructure development needs significant attention and resources. Better financing mechanisms would support faster project deployment.
The expansion of IH2A marks an important step for India’s hydrogen economy. Through collaboration, members work to overcome industry challenges. Their combined expertise drives innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
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