In a significant expansion of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), the union government has announced a ₹100-crore Call for Proposals (CFP) to support pilot projects aimed at producing green hydrogen from biomass and waste materials. The initiative announced by Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi marks the centre’s first targeted push to diversify hydrogen production pathways beyond electrolysis.


The pilots will be implemented through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), inviting participation from private industries, start-ups, and research institutions. Officials said the scheme is designed to strengthen India’s clean-tech innovation ecosystem and develop cost-effective, scalable technologies that could complement the country’s rapidly expanding renewable-energy base.

Launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) seeks to develop India as a global hub for green hydrogen, and is aimed at accelerating industrial decarbonisation and long-term energy security. Highlighting progress under the Mission’s Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme, the Minister noted that incentives have been awarded for 3,000 MW of domestic electrolyser manufacturing and 8.62 lakh metric tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production. Five green-steel pilots and multiple mobility initiatives, including 37 hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and nine refuelling stations, have also been sanctioned. According to MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi the mission is expected to mobilise over ₹8 lakh crore in investments, generate six lakh jobs, and potentially save ₹1 lakh crore in annual fossil fuel imports.


The pilots will be implemented through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), inviting participation from private industries, start-ups, and research institutions.


He also underlined ongoing pilots in transport, steel and shipping, the launch of the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme and the establishment of four Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters in Jodhpur, Pune, Bhubaneswar and Kerala to promote regional research and manufacturing ecosystems. As India enters this new phase of the Green Hydrogen Mission, “Our focus will be on deep industrial decarbonisation, technology partnerships, and global supply chain integration,” he added.