India is positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy, with green hydrogen emerging as a cornerstone of its decarbonization strategy. As part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India aims to produce five million metric tons (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
Several key players are vying for dominance in this burgeoning sector, and their strategies, investments, and capabilities will determine whether India can meet its ambitious hydrogen goals.
This article highlights the top three companies that are set to lead India’s green hydrogen mission and explores their technological innovations, investments, and long-term plans for success.
What is Green Hydrogen and Why It Matters for India?
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources — typically solar or wind — to power the electrolysis of water. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, without emitting harmful carbon dioxide (CO2).
Green hydrogen is seen as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, particularly in industries that are hard to electrify, such as steel, cement, and heavy transport. India has set a target to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen by 2030, making it one of the world’s largest producers of green hydrogen.
This is part of the country’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. Hydrogen will play a critical role in decarbonizing sectors that are otherwise challenging to electrify with renewable energy.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched by the Indian government in 2023, provides the framework for scaling up green hydrogen production and consumption across India.
Key initiatives under the mission include subsidies for electrolyzer manufacturing, setting up hydrogen hubs, and developing infrastructure for hydrogen storage and distribution. These initiatives are expected to stimulate private-sector investment and innovation.
Top 3 Companies Leading India’s Green Hydrogen Push
1. Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL)
Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL) is a subsidiary of the Adani Group, which is rapidly emerging as a major player in India’s green hydrogen sector. Adani has set an ambitious goal to become one of the largest producers of green hydrogen in India.
With its extensive experience in renewable energy (solar, wind), the group is uniquely positioned to leverage its infrastructure for large-scale hydrogen production.
Key Investments:
- Adani has committed to building 1 MMT of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, which would account for a significant portion of India’s overall target.
- The group is focusing on integrating renewable energy — particularly its existing solar farms — with hydrogen production through electrolyzers.
- Adani also plans to export green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green ammonia, to international markets, tapping into the growing global demand for clean hydrogen.
Technological Leadership:
- Adani’s vertical integration approach allows it to combine solar energy production with hydrogen generation, significantly reducing the costs associated with hydrogen production.
- By owning both the energy generation and hydrogen production assets, Adani can optimize the efficiency and scalability of its operations, potentially setting global benchmarks in green hydrogen manufacturing.
Future Outlook
Adani’s integrated business model places it at the forefront of the green hydrogen race in India. Its scale and early investments in electrolyzer technology make it a key player to watch as the National Green Hydrogen Mission unfolds.
2. Reliance Industries Ltd
Reliance Industries, India’s largest conglomerate, is doubling down on green hydrogen, with Ambani’s vision of making Reliance the largest green hydrogen producer in India by 2030.
Reliance has already begun building out its giga-factory for electrolyzer manufacturing and has committed significant investments to renewable energy capacity, which is crucial for supporting green hydrogen production.
Key Investments:
- Reliance plans to invest over ₹75,000 crores (approximately $10 billion) in renewable energy and green hydrogen production over the next few years. This includes building electrolyzer facilities and large-scale hydrogen storage plants.
- The company aims to produce 2 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030, aiming to dominate not only India’s hydrogen market but also become a global hydrogen exporter.
Technological Leadership:
- Reliance is investing in state-of-the-art electrolysis technology, and plans to leverage its deep expertise in petrochemicals to produce hydrogen derivatives like green ammonia for industrial uses.
- Its hydrogen production process is closely linked to its vast renewable energy infrastructure, which includes both solar and wind farms that will supply the necessary power for electrolysis.
Future Outlook:
With Reliance’s scale and financial clout, it is well-positioned to meet India’s green hydrogen targets. Its existing infrastructure, combined with its major investments in renewable energy, ensures that Reliance will be a dominant force in India’s green hydrogen market by 2030.
3. JSW Energy Ltd & NTPC Green Energy Ltd
The combined efforts of JSW Energy and NTPC Green Energy are shaping India’s future in green hydrogen. Both companies are focusing on creating hydrogen hubs and building a robust hydrogen value chain, from renewable energy generation to electrolyzer manufacturing and hydrogen storage.
Key Investments:
- JSW Energy has plans to install over 5 GW of renewable energy capacity, with a large portion dedicated to producing green hydrogen. The company is also developing large-scale electrolyzer plants that will help reduce the cost of hydrogen production.
- NTPC Green Energy, a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd (India’s largest power generation company), has committed to producing 1 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030. NTPC Green is also working on hydrogen storage solutions and aiming to be a key player in hydrogen exports.
Technological Leadership:
- JSW Energy is focused on hydrogen for steelmaking, a major industrial application of green hydrogen. The company plans to integrate hydrogen into its steel production process to reduce emissions.
- NTPC Green Energy is developing hydrogen storage and distribution infrastructure across India, focusing on scaling electrolyzers and enabling off‑take agreements with industrial players.
Future Outlook:
Both companies are committed to leveraging India’s abundant renewable energy resources to position themselves as key players in the global green hydrogen market.
As the largest domestic public sector utility (NTPC) and a major private sector energy producer (JSW), they bring both technical expertise and market reach to India’s green hydrogen ambitions.
Hydrogen Technology and Innovation in India
The success of India’s green hydrogen mission will depend largely on technological innovation. For India to meet its ambitious green hydrogen targets, innovations in electrolyzer technology and hydrogen storage are paramount. Key innovations that are likely to play a crucial role include:
- Electrolyzer Efficiency: Companies are investing heavily in solid oxide electrolyzers and alkaline electrolyzers, which are crucial for improving the efficiency of hydrogen production.
- Hydrogen Storage: Storing hydrogen at a commercial scale is a significant challenge. Advances in liquid hydrogen storage and compressed hydrogen technologies are essential to ensure a steady and reliable supply of hydrogen for industries.
- Hydrogen for Industry: As industries such as steel, cement, and transport move towards decarbonization, green hydrogen will be vital. Companies are developing sector-specific solutions, such as hydrogen-powered electric trucks and steel furnaces.
Challenges to Scaling Green Hydrogen in India
Despite the momentum, India’s green hydrogen sector faces significant challenges. These include:
- High Production Costs: Green hydrogen production remains costly due to expensive electrolyzers and the need for vast renewable energy installations.
- Infrastructure Limitations: India must build infrastructure for hydrogen distribution, storage, and refueling stations across industrial hubs.
- Policy Alignment: Achieving the green hydrogen target requires strong policy support and alignment with other national energy goals, such as renewable energy integration and net-zero emissions targets.
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India’s green hydrogen journey by 2030 will likely be shaped by companies like Adani, Reliance, and JSW/NTPC, whose investments, technological innovations, and strategic vision are integral to realizing the nation’s ambitious hydrogen goals.
These companies are positioned to not only meet India’s hydrogen targets but also play a critical role in positioning the country as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
With continued investments in technology and infrastructure, these Hydrogen Heroes will be central to India’s energy future.
