The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released comprehensive guidelines for funding testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support aimed at developing standards and regulatory frameworks for the Green Hydrogen value chain. The initiative, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aims to address gaps in existing testing facilities for components, technologies, and processes related to Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.  Under the scheme, a total budgetary outlay of Rs 2 billion has been earmarked until the financial year 2025-26.

The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will act as the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA), overseeing the development of robust quality and performance testing facilities essential for ensuring the quality, sustainability, and safety of Green Hydrogen production and trade.  Eligible entities under the scheme include government organisations, public and private companies interested in establishing or upgrading hydrogen testing or certification facilities. The scheme emphasises that these facilities must be accessible to all potential users and not operated exclusively by any single organisation or group.  Financial support from MNRE includes full funding of the capital costs for equipment, installation, and commissioning for government entities, while non-government entities can receive up to 70% of the capital costs.

Additionally, up to 15% of the total financial support may be allocated for operational expenses over a period of up to four years post-project completion. The grants-in-aid will be disbursed in three instalments to facilitate timely implementation and operational readiness.  The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched on January 4, 2023, with an initial outlay of Rs 197.44 billion until FY 2029-30, highlights India's commitment to achieving self-reliance in clean energy. The mission aims to significantly decarbonise the economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and position India as a global leader in Green Hydrogen technology and market development.  For further details and updates on the scheme, prospective participants are encouraged to monitor communications from NISE in consultation with MNRE regarding upcoming calls for proposals and project timelines.  

(Source: PSU Watch)