India is taking a major step toward a greener future by launching four dedicated “Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters” (HVICs) to strengthen its green hydrogen ecosystem. These hydrogen valleys are designed to cover the entire hydrogen value chain — from production and storage to transportation and end-use—positioning India as a key global player in clean energy innovation.
Announced by Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, at the 3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen, the initiative falls under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The hydrogen valleys will serve as large-scale demonstration hubs — essentially living laboratories — that integrate research, innovation, and industrial application to accelerate India’s transition toward a hydrogen-based economy.
The total investment for the four projects is estimated at ₹485 crore. Of this, ₹169.89 crore will be provided under the NGHM, while ₹315.43 crore will come from industry and consortium partners. The projects are being developed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) in coordination with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and other government bodies. The HVICs are envisioned as modular and replicable models that can be scaled up across the country.
Dr. Singh highlighted that clean energy is no longer just an environmental commitment but a strategic and economic necessity for India’s future. He emphasized that the nation’s hydrogen initiative is not limited to adopting global technologies but is focused on developing indigenous innovations that could lead the world in sustainable energy solutions.
Complementing this effort is the newly launched Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme — a ₹ one lakh crore program that allocates ₹20,000 crore to the DST. The initiative aims to drive advancements in deep-tech, renewable energy, and clean hydrogen in collaboration with industry, startups, and academia. Additionally, the creation of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is set to strengthen cooperation between industry and research institutions for faster technology commercialization.
India’s hydrogen valleys are expected to become the foundation for reducing hydrogen production costs to around $2 per kilogram, fostering domestic adoption and international partnerships. The projects will demonstrate how hydrogen can be effectively integrated into industries such as refining, steel, fertilizers, and transportation.
By turning vision into action, India is moving decisively toward a self-reliant hydrogen economy. These four hydrogen valleys will not only cut carbon emissions but also open new opportunities for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth, solidifying India’s position as a global leader in the clean energy transition.