Time for Action: PM Modi Urges Global Cooperation to Advance Green Hydrogen
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged for global cooperation to advance green hydrogen production, highlighting India’s ambition to become a global leader in this renewable energy source.
Speaking virtually at the ‘Second International Conference on Green Hydrogen,’ PM Modi underscored green hydrogen’s potential in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify industries such as refineries, fertilizers, steel production, and heavy-duty transportation. He emphasized that green hydrogen also offers a viable solution for storing surplus renewable energy.
Modi pointed out that India launched the ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’ in 2023 as part of its strategy to drive the energy transition forward. He acknowledged that climate change is no longer a distant concern but an immediate challenge, calling for decisive action.
“The world is undergoing a significant transformation, and it’s time for action,” Modi said, stressing that energy transition and sustainability have become key topics in global policy discussions.
India has made notable progress in clean energy, having met its Paris Agreement goals nine years ahead of the 2030 deadline. The country’s installed non-fossil fuel capacity has increased by nearly 300 percent over the past decade, and solar energy capacity has grown by more than 3,000 percent.
Despite these achievements, Modi emphasized that India remains committed to advancing new and innovative energy solutions. The ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’ aims to drive innovation, enhance infrastructure, support industry growth, and attract investment.
He also highlighted the importance of fostering collaborations between industries, academia, startups, and entrepreneurs in the green hydrogen sector, noting the potential for significant job creation, especially for the youth.
Recognizing the global nature of climate change, Modi called for international collaboration to scale up green hydrogen production, reduce costs, and build necessary infrastructure. He stressed that global partnerships are crucial for advancing research, innovation, and technological progress.
During the G20 Summit in September 2023, the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration established five high-level voluntary principles on hydrogen, which are guiding the creation of global roadmaps for green hydrogen development.
PM Modi also encouraged the scientific community to explore ways to enhance green hydrogen production efficiency, including improving electrolyser performance, utilizing seawater and municipal waste for hydrogen production, and expanding green hydrogen use in public transport, shipping, and inland waterways.
“Addressing these topics collectively will significantly advance the global green energy transition,” Modi said. “Humanity has always overcome challenges through collective and innovative solutions. Together, we can achieve remarkable progress. Let us work to accelerate the development and deployment of green hydrogen.”
