Why in News
🗞️ Why in News On June 18, 2026, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) at a National Workshop. The portal operationalises the certification architecture of the National Green Hydrogen Mission and is central to India’s ambition to become a global hub for green hydrogen production and exports.
Background: The National Green Hydrogen Mission
The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2023 with a total outlay of Rs 19,744 crore up to 2029-30. It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and aims to make India a leading producer and supplier of green hydrogen and its derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol.
What Is Green Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is colour-coded by its production route:
| Type | Production Route | Carbon Footprint |
|---|---|---|
| Grey hydrogen | From natural gas / fossil fuels without capture | High |
| Blue hydrogen | From fossil fuels with carbon capture | Moderate |
| Green hydrogen | Electrolysis of water using renewable electricity | Near zero at production |
Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, making it virtually emission-free at the point of production. It is seen as essential for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as refining, fertilisers, steel and long-haul transport.
Mission Targets and Components
| Parameter | Target / Figure |
|---|---|
| Outlay | Rs 19,744 crore (to 2029-30) |
| Green hydrogen production target | 5 MMT per year by 2030 |
| Associated renewable energy capacity | About 125 GW |
| SIGHT incentives awarded for | 8,62,000 MTPA of capacity |
| States with dedicated hydrogen policies | Six |
| Nodal ministry | MNRE |
A core instrument of the Mission is SIGHT, the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition programme, which provides financial incentives for both domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and the production of green hydrogen. Incentives have already been awarded for capacity of 8,62,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The Certification Portal (GHCI): Why It Matters
Green hydrogen commands a premium only if its “green” credentials can be trusted. The GHCI provides a credible, standardised mechanism to certify that hydrogen has indeed been produced with renewable energy within permitted emission thresholds.
Functions of GHCI
- Verification that hydrogen meets the defined emission intensity threshold for “green” status.
- A transparent, digital trail from production to certification.
- Issuance of certificates that buyers, especially in export markets, can rely upon.
- Alignment with international standards so Indian hydrogen is accepted abroad.
The Export Imperative
Certification is not merely domestic housekeeping. Major markets are introducing carbon-accounting rules at their borders. The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will levy charges on the embedded carbon of imports. A robust, internationally recognised certification regime allows Indian green hydrogen and its derivatives to enter such markets without carbon penalties, turning certification into a trade-enabling asset.
Analysis: Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities
- Positions India as a competitive exporter as global demand for clean molecules rises.
- Supports the net-zero-by-2070 pledge and energy-security goals by cutting fossil import dependence.
- Catalyses a domestic electrolyser manufacturing ecosystem under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat frameworks.
Challenges
- High production cost of green hydrogen compared with grey hydrogen.
- Need for vast additional renewable capacity and water resources.
- Building storage, pipeline and port infrastructure for hydrogen and ammonia.
- Ensuring the certification standard is recognised by all key importing jurisdictions.
Way Forward
- Drive down costs through scale, cheaper renewables and electrolyser manufacturing incentives.
- Negotiate mutual recognition of the GHCI standard with the EU, Japan, South Korea and other buyers.
- Develop dedicated green hydrogen hubs near ports and renewable-rich regions.
- Promote demand-side mandates in refining and fertilisers to anchor a domestic market.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: National Green Hydrogen Mission (year, outlay, nodal ministry); SIGHT full form; green hydrogen production route; 5 MMT by 2030 target; CBAM.
Mains (GS3): “Green hydrogen certification is as much a trade strategy as an energy policy. Discuss in the context of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and global carbon border measures.” Evaluate the role of green hydrogen in India’s energy transition and the challenges to scaling it.
Facts Corner
📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia
- GHCI: Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India; launched June 18, 2026 by Pralhad Joshi.
- Mission: National Green Hydrogen Mission approved January 2023; outlay Rs 19,744 crore to 2029-30; nodal MNRE.
- Target: 5 MMT of green hydrogen per year by 2030 with about 125 GW associated renewable energy.
- SIGHT: Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition; incentives awarded for 8,62,000 MTPA.
- Green hydrogen: Produced by electrolysis of water using renewable electricity; near-zero emissions at production.
- CBAM: EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism; makes credible certification vital for exports.
- States: Six states have dedicated hydrogen policies.
Sources: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Source: India's Green Hydrogen Certification Portal (GHCI) and the National Mission — Ujiyari.com | Free UPSC & State PCS Current Affairs
