New Delhi: Addressing the valedictory session of the three-day International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024), Minister of State, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Y. Naik underlined that India has entered a new era of energy transition driven by a shared commitment to advancing the Hydrogen Agenda.

Naik emphasised the government's unwavering commitment to advancing clean and green energy. He highlighted the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of Rs. 19,744 crore as a comprehensive strategy, encompassing demand creation, production, R&D, infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, international partnerships, and, most importantly, skill development and job creation. In addition, Naik underscored the importance of youth, affirming that by empowering them with necessary skills, India is equipping them to be the architects of a sustainable future.

The conference, held from September 11-13, 2024, and inaugurated by Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy; Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, attracted over 8,500 delegates, including 3,000 plus youth and students. It also featured an exhibition showcasing innovations and technological advancements in the Green Hydrogen sector. The hydrogen-powered bus and hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE) powered truck showcased at the exhibition caught the attention of the visitors.

Addressing the valedictory session, Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said, “Our commitment to Green Hydrogen is not just about meeting emission targets, which of course is important. It is about seizing a historic opportunity to redefine our energy systems, create new jobs, and secure a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations."

During his address, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Bhupinder S. Bhalla, highlighted the transformative potential of Green Hydrogen for India’s energy sector. He said, "Green Hydrogen is not just a new energy source; it is a pathway towards a future where clean energy is the norm, and industries are decarbonised. Over the past three days, we've seen how collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders can drive innovation and push the Green Hydrogen agenda forward. The discussions and breakthroughs here will play a critical role in making India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production, usage, and export. The journey ahead will be challenging, but our collective ambition is strong, and the opportunities are vast."

Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, stressed the importance of international cooperation and innovative technologies in advancing the Green Hydrogen economy. He outlined, "Green Hydrogen is more than just a technological innovation—it symbolises a new era in energy where sustainability meets economic viability. The future of energy demands fresh thinking, from cutting-edge technologies to smarter business models, and global collaboration. Together, we can unlock the potential of Green Hydrogen to drive sustainable growth, lower costs, and create a cleaner, resilient future for all."

Jyoti Vij, Director General of FICCI, extended her gratitude to all participants and stakeholders, acknowledging their contributions to the conference’s success. She said, “Our country's transition goals will require concerted efforts from both the government and industry. FICCI remains committed to making India a Green Hydrogen hub, leveraging opportunities both domestically and for export through international collaborations, and supporting user industries in the transition towards net zero and adoption of Green Hydrogen.”

Earlier during the day, along with other senior government officials, Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, emphasised the whole-of-government approach in advancing the National Green Hydrogen Mission. He highlighted that as many as 13 states have policy provisions supporting the Green Hydrogen ecosystem. He pointed out that the mission will lead to the creation of 600,000 green jobs.

Yadav stressed the importance of skilling, safety, pilot projects, research & development, and innovation in establishing India as a global leader in Green Hydrogen. This transition is not just about meeting targets—it’s about reshaping India’s energy landscape and economic future.

The plenary sessions during the conference highlighted the initiatives and advancements from the USA, the European Union, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and the global perspective as presented by IRENA. These sessions underscored the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in accelerating the Green Hydrogen economy.

The 22 breakout sessions delved into the technical, financial, and policy aspects of Green Hydrogen. Discussions included optimisation and indigenisation of electrolysis processes, storage and transportation solutions, applications in the defence sector, and the integration of biomass pathways. The future of hydrogen-based fuels for the transport sector, the seamless integration for shipping and aviation, and the viability of Green Hydrogen for steel production and oil refineries were also explored.

The first day of the conference emphasised Green Hydrogen's crucial role in shaping India's energy future and promoting economic growth and sustainability. The second day highlighted youth involvement, with Saina Nehwal inspiring young participants. Additionally, Nandlal Gupta from IIT Bombay won the GH2Thon Hackathon, and an interactive poster competition showcased innovations in Green Hydrogen.

On the third and final day, the conference highlighted India’s dedication to international collaboration and innovation. A key feature was "The Hydrogen Challenge: Test Your Elemental Knowledge," an engaging quiz moderated by Deepak Taneja, Deputy General Manager at Indian Oil. The quiz, which included seven rounds on Green Hydrogen topics, saw Nandlal Gupta and Chandramani Rai from IIT Bombay emerge as winners. They were followed by Abhishek Jamdar and Oshnik Maurya from ICT Mumbai in second place, Trashna Thakur and Vishnu TS from IIT Bombay in third, and Vivek Panchal and Dipesh Pimpale from Onjubilant Services LTD in fourth. The interactive quiz also featured audience participation, enhancing delegates' understanding of Green Hydrogen innovations and policies.

In addition, the poster competition showcased outstanding research in the Green Hydrogen field. The winners included Kapil Kedar Tirpude and Trashna Thakur from IIT Bombay. Akash Kumar Burolia and Dr. Swati Neogi from IIT Kharagpur and Ardra S Darsan and Dr. A. Murugan from CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute and Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research received accolades.

The USA was the official partner country in this second edition of the International Green Hydrogen Conference (ICGH-2024).

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in association with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, organised the 2nd International Conference of Green Hydrogen 2024 (ICGH 2024). The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and EY are the implementation and knowledge partners, respectively. FICCI is the industry partner. /BI