India Initiates Green Hydrogen Pilot Projects in Maritime Sector as Part of National Mission

The President of India has approved the Scheme for Pilot Projects on the utilization of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen Division, issued the directive on February 1, 2024, outlining the objectives and guidelines for the initiative. The scheme aims to support the deployment of Green Hydrogen as ship propulsion fuel on a pilot basis, validate its technical feasibility and performance, and evaluate its economic viability in the shipping sector. The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has been designated as the Implementing Agency for retrofitting existing ships, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) will oversee the creation of bunkers and refueling facilities.

This initiative aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s goal of promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing the carbon footprint in the shipping sector. The approval has received the endorsement of the Hon’ble Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, marking a significant step towards cleaner and greener maritime operations. The scheme’s implementation details are outlined in an annexure accompanying the directive, and it aims to assess the effectiveness of Green Hydrogen in ship propulsion, bunkering, and refueling systems at ports, as well as to demonstrate safe and secure operations.

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