The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released guidelines for establishing green hydrogen hubs as part of the national green hydrogen mission. According to the guidelines, each hub must have a minimum capacity of 1,00,000 metric tons per annum (MTPA), with priority given to hubs with higher production capacities. A designated scheme implementing agency, appointed by the ministry, will issue a call for proposals to solicit projects.
Entities eligible to submit project proposals include Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), state Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), private sector companies, state corporations, autonomous bodies, joint ventures (JVs), partnerships, and consortia comprised of such entities. It is stipulated that the executing agency must possess the necessary capabilities to successfully execute and commercialize the projects.
Under the mission, the aim is to establish at least two green hydrogen hubs by the end of 2025-26. The budgetary allocation for the scheme until FY26 is ₹200 crore. Financial assistance for the establishment of these hubs will be provided up to ₹100 crore each, specifically for the core infrastructure.
Proposals will be evaluated primarily based on planned production capacity, alongside considerations such as arrangements for water sources, financial viability of the hubs, among other criteria. The scheme will offer support for developing core infrastructure at these hydrogen hubs, including storage and transportation facilities, pipeline infrastructure, refueling stations, and hydrogen compression and liquefaction technologies.
The aim of the scheme is to establish regions capable of large-scale hydrogen production at these hubs, maximizing the production of green hydrogen, improving cost competitiveness, fostering the development of green hydrogen projects within these hubs, and enhancing the viability of green hydrogen assets throughout the value chain.
As reported by ETEnergyworld.com, a hydrogen hub is defined as a region equipped with a network of producers and end-users, supported by infrastructure for storage, processing, and transportation. These hubs may be situated inland or near ports to facilitate exports. Potential locations for such hubs include regions with clusters of refineries and end-use industries in close proximity.
