Avaada Group, a diversified clean energy conglomerate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GRIDCO and IIT-Bhubaneswar to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Odisha dedicated to integrated research, innovation, and technology development in the Green Hydrogen sector. 

The proposed CoE will lead advanced studies on Green Hydrogen usage, including energy storage, industrial applications, and mobility, while assessing the techno-economic viability of emerging hydrogen technologies. This initiative aligns with the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022 (OREP-2022) and supports national efforts under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to position India as a global leader in clean hydrogen solutions. 

Under the MoU, Avaada Group will develop an extension facility of the CoE within its production unit in Odisha, equipped with specialised technical teams and research infrastructure. Avaada will also support selected R&D programmes at the CoE, strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to Odisha’s emergence as a hub for next-generation renewable technologies. 

As per the collaboration framework, GRIDCO will act as the Implementing Agency, coordinating with MNRE and the Government of Odisha for funding and programme execution. IIT-Bhubaneswar will serve as the Host and Academic Partner, providing land, research support, and institutional infrastructure. The Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Odisha, will oversee the CoE’s administration. 

Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, said, “We are excited to partner with GRIDCO and IIT-Bhubaneswar for setting up the Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen in Odisha. This collaboration between industry stakeholders and academia, marks an important milestone in India’s clean energy journey and aligns with our vision to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero future. We believe that Green Hydrogen will play a pivotal role in decarbonising the hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals and heavy transport, ensuring that the future of energy is Always Clean. Always On.”    

With an allocation of Rs 4 billion for R&D activities under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed to set up Centres of Excellence to support integrated research in the Green Hydrogen sector, covering multiple areas across the value chain including production, transportation and storage, applications, and safety.