India launches Green Hydrogen Certification Portal to ensure transparency, boost investor confidence, strengthen compliance, and accelerate its clean hydrogen ecosystem.
India has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI), a significant step aimed at enhancing transparency and compliance within the burgeoning clean fuel sector. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, unveiled the portal during a national workshop focused on strengthening the National Green Hydrogen Mission through state policies, hubs, and infrastructure. Developed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the portal is designed to facilitate transparent certification and regulatory adherence under India's Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme.
The launch of the GHCI is a pivotal event in India's journey towards a sustainable energy future, driven by the broader National Green Hydrogen Mission, which was initiated in 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore. The primary cause for this initiative is India's ambition to position itself as a global leader in green hydrogen production and an export hub for renewable fuels, while simultaneously reducing its reliance on energy imports and meeting its climate commitments. The regulatory framework has been streamlined, with the certification scheme officially launched in April 2025, setting rigorous standards for green hydrogen production, specifically less than 2 kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced, averaged over 12 months. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will manage this framework, accrediting third-party verification agencies to ensure compliance.
The consequences and impacts of this portal are far-reaching, touching upon economic, geopolitical, and industry-specific sectors. Economically, the initiative aims to attract investment and foster market growth by providing clarity and confidence to both domestic and international investors. It includes substantial financial incentives, such as those awarded to 15 companies for establishing 3,000 MW per annum of indigenous electrolyser manufacturing capacity, thereby reducing dependence on imported supply chains. The mission has already seen agreements for the supply of 6.7 lakh MTPA of green ammonia to 11 fertiliser plants, signifying a major step in reducing import dependence. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been allocated to support startups in green hydrogen technologies, with an initial list of nine startups receiving Rs 22 crore in funding.
From a geopolitical standpoint, the certification portal reinforces India's commitment to clean energy transition and strengthens its position in the global energy landscape as a credible participant in the global hydrogen economy. It aligns with India's long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Industry-specific impacts include the promotion of green hydrogen and ammonia across various sectors. Contracts have been awarded for 30,000 MTPA of green hydrogen supply to major oil refiners like IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, and NRL. Pilot projects in the steel sector testing 100 percent hydrogen injection have received Rs 84 crore. Furthermore, significant allocations have been made for clean mobility, supporting 37 hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, 9 strategic refuelling stations, and 7 national testing facilities. The government is also emphasizing innovation, with an R&D roadmap worth Rs 113 crore supporting 21 approved projects. States are actively encouraged to participate, with several already having dedicated green hydrogen policies or integrating hydrogen into existing frameworks.
Market Impact: The launch of the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) is expected to significantly accelerate the development of a credible and globally competitive green hydrogen market. By establishing a transparent certification mechanism and ensuring compliance with strict carbon intensity standards, the portal will increase investor confidence, attract international partnerships, and facilitate India's emergence as a reliable exporter of green hydrogen and green ammonia.
The certification framework will also support the scaling of domestic electrolyser manufacturing, reduce dependence on imported technologies, and encourage innovation through greater participation of startups and research institutions. As industries such as refining, fertilizers, steel, and transportation increasingly adopt certified green hydrogen solutions, the demand for renewable hydrogen is likely to witness substantial growth.
In the long term, GHCI will strengthen India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, enhance energy security, create new employment opportunities, and position the country as a leading player in the global transition towards low-carbon hydrogen-based economies.
