MNRE’s Move Marks a Milestone in Building a Sustainable Hydrogen Ecosystem Across India’s Coasts
In a landmark development for India’s clean energy ambitions, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has designated three major Indian ports — Deendayal Port in Gujarat, V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu, and Paradip Port in Odisha — as official Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
The move represents a major stride toward building a sustainable, integrated hydrogen ecosystem, positioning India at the forefront of the global green hydrogen revolution. It also underscores the country’s determination to decarbonize its maritime and industrial sectors while fostering economic growth rooted in renewable energy.
Strategic Coastal Nodes for a Hydrogen-Powered Future
According to the MNRE, these three ports were selected for their geographic advantages, renewable energy potential, and strategic trade connectivity. Each will now evolve into a central node for the production, storage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives such as green ammonia and methanol.
- Deendayal Port Authority (Gujarat): Leveraging Gujarat’s strong renewable base and industrial ecosystem, this port will focus on large-scale hydrogen production and export infrastructure.
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (Tamil Nadu): Located in southern India’s energy corridor, the port will support hydrogen-based industrial clusters and clean maritime fuels.
- Paradip Port Authority (Odisha): Positioned on India’s eastern coast, Paradip will integrate hydrogen production and storage with coastal shipping and industrial consumption zones, supporting the region’s steel and fertilizer industries.
This strategic distribution of Green Hydrogen Hubs across India’s coastline ensures regional balance, enhances energy resilience, and facilitates decarbonized trade corridors across Asia and beyond.
A Milestone in India’s Clean Energy Transition
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the announcement as a “defining moment in India’s maritime journey.” He emphasized that the integration of renewable energy and hydrogen infrastructure at major ports aligns seamlessly with the nation’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
“This step reflects India’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient maritime ecosystem,” Sonowal said. “By turning our ports into green hydrogen hubs, we are not only decarbonizing operations but also unlocking new avenues for green growth, innovation, and employment.”
Industry experts note that this move also strengthens India’s position as a future exporter of clean fuels, especially to regions like Europe and East Asia, which are rapidly transitioning to low-carbon energy sources.
Accelerating the National Green Hydrogen Mission
Launched in 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is one of India’s most ambitious energy transformation initiatives. With an outlay exceeding ₹19,700 crore, the mission aims to make India a global leader in the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen.
The mission envisions creating hydrogen hubs that connect renewable energy generation, hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and industrial use — creating a complete hydrogen value chain.
By designating these three ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs, the MNRE is operationalizing the mission’s vision — bringing together renewable power producers, industrial consumers, logistics providers, and technology innovators under one umbrella.
The hubs are expected to support activities ranging from electrolyser manufacturing and renewable power integration to hydrogen bunkering for ships and fuel supply for industries like steel, cement, and fertilizers.
Decarbonizing India’s Maritime Sector
Ports are central to India’s economic growth — handling over 90% of the country’s trade volume — but they also contribute to significant carbon emissions through cargo handling, logistics, and auxiliary operations.
By transforming these ports into green energy ecosystems, India is addressing one of its most hard-to-abate sectors. Integration of hydrogen-based fuels and renewable energy systems will enable:
- Reduction in port-level carbon emissions
- Adoption of hydrogen-based marine fuels for ships
- Cleaner logistics chains connecting ports and hinterlands
- Green job creation in coastal and industrial regions
This initiative is also expected to stimulate public-private partnerships (PPP), with global investors and technology providers exploring opportunities in hydrogen infrastructure development and maritime decarbonization projects.
Global Implications: India as a Hydrogen Export Powerhouse
With the global shift toward clean fuels, green hydrogen has emerged as a key enabler of the net-zero transition. By developing world-class hydrogen hubs, India aims to become a reliable supplier of green hydrogen and derivatives to international markets, particularly to regions like the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, where demand for low-carbon fuels is soaring.
India’s ports, located along strategic sea routes, provide a natural advantage for exporting hydrogen-based energy carriers. The newly designated hubs will thus serve as gateways to global trade in green fuels — turning India into a hydrogen export hub of the Global South.
Strengthening India’s Industrial and Climate Competitiveness
The integration of green hydrogen infrastructure at these ports also supports India’s industrial decarbonization strategy. By linking renewable power generation with hydrogen production, the initiative can reduce fossil fuel dependency across key sectors like steel, cement, and fertilizers — which collectively account for a large share of India’s emissions.
Moreover, with initiatives like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) being implemented in Europe, industries in India stand to gain a competitive edge by adopting green hydrogen early, ensuring low-carbon exports and supply chain resilience.
A Collaborative Path Toward a Greener Tomorrow
As reported by All India Radio’s NewsOnAir, the recognition of these ports under the National Green Hydrogen Mission marks a strong commitment to energy transition and climate leadership. It also reflects how synergy between renewable energy and maritime sectors can create an inclusive, sustainable growth model for the future.
Experts believe that as India builds this ecosystem, it will also catalyze innovation in electrolyser manufacturing, hydrogen storage technologies, and port-based renewable integration, fostering a self-reliant green hydrogen economy.
The coming years will likely see these ports evolve into regional clean energy clusters, integrating solar, wind, and hydrogen infrastructure to support industries, transport, and exports — turning India’s coastal zones into engines of sustainable prosperity.
A New Era of Green Maritime Leadership
The designation of Deendayal, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Paradip ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs is more than a policy milestone — it is a symbol of India’s resolve to lead the world toward a low-carbon future.
By blending technological innovation, policy vision, and maritime strength, India is building a clean energy bridge between its coasts and the global economy. These hydrogen hubs will not only decarbonize ports and industries but also create a new wave of green infrastructure, jobs, and investments that define India’s sustainable growth story.
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