Introduction
As the world seeks to decarbonize its energy systems and transition towards sustainable alternatives, green hydrogen—produced using renewable energy sources—has emerged as a transformative fuel. For India, a country with massive renewable energy potential and rising energy demands, green hydrogen offers the dual advantage of energy security and climate leadership.
Recognizing this potential, the Government of India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) in January 2023, with an ambitious outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilization, and export by building robust ecosystems through institutional coordination, regulatory support, and fiscal incentives.
However, such a monumental transition requires well-structured governance mechanisms. This blog explains in detail the mission’s governance model—how it's organized, implemented, and monitored.
Vision and Objectives of the Green Hydrogen Mission
The mission is guided by the following core objectives:
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Develop green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per annum by 2030.
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Add renewable energy capacity of ~125 GW associated with hydrogen production.
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Promote indigenous manufacturing of electrolysers and other enabling technologies.
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Create export opportunities and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.
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Enable decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors like steel, fertilisers, and refining.
The governance model is designed to ensure that these objectives are achieved through an integrated, accountable, and forward-looking approach.
Institutional Framework of Governance
1. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) – Nodal Authority
The MNRE is the central ministry responsible for overall coordination, planning, funding, and oversight of the mission. It:
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Issues guidelines and operational frameworks.
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Coordinates inter-ministerial consultation.
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Monitors implementation progress.
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Engages with state governments and industry stakeholders.
2. Mission Steering Committee (MSC) – Top-tier Policy Body
Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, this apex-level committee:
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Provides strategic guidance.
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Reviews national-level performance.
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Approves major policy shifts and reallocation of resources.
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Resolves inter-ministerial disputes.
3. Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS)
The EGoS ensures inter-ministerial coordination and synergy, especially for linked sectors like petroleum, fertilisers, steel, and power. It:
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Approves project pipelines.
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Facilitates convergence between different schemes.
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Oversees incentives and viability gap funding mechanisms.
4. Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs)
Various central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), like SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India), are designated as PIAs to:
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Invite bids for production and supply chains.
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Execute financial transfers and subsidies.
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Monitor project-level progress.
5. State Governments
States are encouraged to develop Green Hydrogen Hubs through ease-of-doing-business policies, land provisioning, infrastructure development, and support for private investments. Coordination cells are established in states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
Policy Design and Strategic Components
The governance framework integrates policy instruments that catalyze demand, create supply chains, and ensure sustainable transition.
A. SIGHT Programme – Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition
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Provides financial incentives for green hydrogen and electrolyser manufacturing.
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Ensures cost parity with fossil-based hydrogen in the initial phase.
B. Green Hydrogen Standards and Certifications
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MNRE has notified the official definition of green hydrogen, based on lifecycle carbon emissions.
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BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is drafting quality and safety benchmarks.
C. Infrastructure Development
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Support for hydrogen refuelling stations, pipelines, storage, and port logistics.
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Integration with Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy.
D. Research & Innovation Ecosystem
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MNRE and DST are co-developing Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in collaboration with IITs, national labs, and private R&D.
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Funding for pilot projects in marine, aviation, and long-haul freight sectors.
E. Skill Development
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NSDC and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship are implementing hydrogen skill councils for technicians, engineers, and safety experts.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Mechanisms
Transparent and accountable governance is ensured through:
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Annual Progress Reports by MNRE submitted to the Parliament.
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Real-time project dashboards maintained by SECI and other PIAs.
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Independent impact assessment agencies to conduct third-party evaluations.
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Feedback loops with industry associations, startups, and international partners.
Additionally, India’s performance is benchmarked against global leaders like Germany, Japan, and Australia to maintain competitiveness.
Global Collaborations and Institutional Partnerships
India’s governance strategy includes forging bilateral and multilateral partnerships:
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India-EU Hydrogen Partnership for technology exchange and certification standards.
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India-UAE MoU on green ammonia exports.
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ISA (International Solar Alliance) and IRENA collaborations for investment pooling and best practices.
These international ties help align governance standards with global protocols and boost India’s green hydrogen exports.
Conclusion
The governance of the Green Hydrogen Mission is more than just administrative structure—it is the bedrock of India’s clean energy transition strategy. With clearly defined roles for central ministries, state governments, public agencies, and the private sector, the mission presents a blueprint for integrated climate governance.
However, challenges remain. These include:
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High upfront costs of electrolysers.
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Lack of demand aggregation mechanisms.
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Regulatory uncertainty in long-term pricing.
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Need for more skilled professionals and robust safety norms.
To ensure success, India must strengthen its cross-sectoral coordination, policy continuity, and public-private collaboration. The mission must evolve into a model of participatory governance where innovation, inclusivity, and impact evaluation are central pillars.
If implemented effectively, India’s Green Hydrogen Mission governance can serve as a global benchmark—demonstrating how structured policy, strong institutions, and a long-term vision can drive the energy transition for a sustainable and self-reliant future.