On September 11, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Second International Conference on Green Hydrogen through a video message. His speech highlighted the urgent need for global cooperation in the development of Green Hydrogen, an emerging energy solution that holds tremendous potential to decarbonize industries and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The conference serves as a platform for industry experts, scientists, and policymakers to engage in discussions about the future of energy, focusing on the role of Green Hydrogen in mitigating climate change.
India’s Leadership in Green Energy Commitments
India, as PM Modi noted, has been at the forefront of global energy transitions. He highlighted that India was among the first G20 nations to meet its Paris Agreement targets on green energy, achieving its commitments nine years ahead of the 2030 deadline. Over the last decade, the country’s non-fossil fuel capacity saw a remarkable increase of nearly 300%, while solar energy capacity surged by over 3,000%.
Modi emphasized that despite these accomplishments, India remains committed to building on these successes. He pointed to Green Hydrogen as a pivotal component of the energy landscape that would further the country’s goals toward a sustainable future.
Green Hydrogen: A Game-Changer in Energy Transition
In his address, the Prime Minister described Green Hydrogen as a “promising addition to the world’s energy landscape,” with the potential to decarbonize industries that are difficult to electrify. Sectors such as refineries, fertilizers, steel production, and heavy-duty transportation are among those that could significantly benefit from the adoption of Green Hydrogen. Moreover, Modi outlined that Green Hydrogen could serve as an effective energy storage solution for surplus renewable energy, helping to stabilize and expand green energy grids.
National Green Hydrogen Mission: Catalyzing Innovation and Investment
The Prime Minister also spotlighted India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in 2023, which aims to position India as a global leader in the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen. Modi stressed that the mission is driving innovation, fostering infrastructure development, and encouraging industry partnerships. The Indian government has also prioritized investments in cutting-edge research and development, alongside fostering collaborations between industry and academia to strengthen the green energy ecosystem.
The mission also aims to create a robust green jobs eco-system, with an emphasis on skill development for India’s youth. This initiative supports the government’s broader goals of creating a sustainable economy while simultaneously tackling the challenges of climate change.
Global Cooperation: Key to Accelerating Green Hydrogen Development
Addressing the global community, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of international partnerships in scaling up Green Hydrogen production, minimizing costs, and building the necessary infrastructure. He suggested that nations should come together to invest in research and innovation to advance Green Hydrogen technology.
Highlighting the outcomes of the G20 Summit held in India in 2023, Modi pointed out that the New Delhi G-20 Leaders’ Declaration adopted five high-level voluntary principles on hydrogen. These principles, according to him, are pivotal in creating a unified global roadmap for Green Hydrogen development.
Challenges and Opportunities in Green Hydrogen
PM Modi encouraged scientists and industry experts to explore key challenges related to Green Hydrogen production. He raised critical questions such as whether efficiency in electrolyzers could be improved and whether seawater and municipal wastewater could be used for hydrogen production. He also called for collective efforts to explore the application of Green Hydrogen in public transport, shipping, and inland waterways—sectors that could benefit significantly from cleaner energy solutions.
The Prime Minister also invited scientists and innovators to propose public policy changes that could support the advancement of Green Hydrogen. His call to action emphasized the need for domain experts to take the lead in shaping the future of the green energy sector.
A Collective Effort Toward a Sustainable Future
Reflecting on human history, Modi pointed out that humanity has overcome various adversities through collective, innovative solutions. He stressed that the same approach must be applied to tackle the current climate crisis and energy transition challenges. Modi expressed confidence that forums like the International Conference on Green Hydrogen would foster meaningful exchanges that contribute to global green energy goals.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister urged global collaboration to accelerate the development and deployment of Green Hydrogen. He reiterated that the decisions made today would shape the lives of future generations. Extending his best wishes to all participants of the conference, Modi said, “Let us work together to accelerate the development and deployment of Green Hydrogen.”
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s address at the Second International Conference on Green Hydrogen underscored India’s leadership in green energy and its commitment to Green Hydrogen as a key element in global energy transition efforts. With the National Green Hydrogen Mission and ongoing international collaborations, India is poised to play a major role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future. As Modi emphasized, global cooperation, innovation, and expertise are crucial to unlocking the full potential of Green Hydrogen in the fight against climate change.