The Centre has allocated Rs 115 crore for the launch of pilot projects aimed at introducing green hydrogen in the shipping sector, as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the ministry of new & renewable energy (MNRE) said on Thursday. This financial commitment is part of a broader strategy to transition towards clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels in one of the country’s vital sectors.
The “Scheme Guidelines for implementation of Pilot projects for use of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector,” issued by the MNRE, outline the initiative’s framework, which is slated to run until the financial year 2025-26. The ministry of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW), alongside designated implementing agencies, will spearhead the execution of these pilot projects, focusing on retrofitting existing ships for green hydrogen usage
and establishing bunkering and refueling infrastructures at strategic maritime locations.
A significant aspect of the initiative is its emphasis on adopting green hydrogen and its derivatives as a primary fuel source, aiming to retrofit ships and develop fueling facilities on ports along international shipping lanes. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), or its successor entity, is designated as the Scheme Implementing Agency (SIA) for retrofitting activities, ensuring a transparent project award process in line with the General Financial
Rules (GFRs).
The MNRE will grant administrative sanctions based on recommendations from the Project Appraisal Committee (PAC), underlining the scheme’s goal to foster a replicable green hydrogen ecosystem within the maritime industry. This includes sharing knowledge through reports, workshops, and publications to disseminate findings and best practices gleaned from the pilot projects.
Launched on January 4, 2023, with an overall budget of Rs 19,744 crore until FY 2029-30, the National Green Hydrogen Mission encapsulates India’s ambition to achieve self-reliance in clean energy. The mission is poised to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the economy, curtailing fossil fuel imports, and establishing India as a leader in green hydrogen technology and market sectors.