Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Addressing the valedictory session of the three-day International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024), Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Y. Naik underlined that India has ushered into a new era of energy transition driven by a shared commitment to advancing the Hydrogen Agenda.
Naik emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to advance clean and green energy. He highlighted the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores as a comprehensive strategy, encompassing demand creation, production, R&D, infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, international partnerships, and most importantly, skill development and job creation. In addition, Shri Naik underscored the importance of youth, affirming that by empowering the youth with the necessary skills, India is equipping them to be the architects of a sustainable future.
The conference, held from September 11-13, 2024, inaugurated by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy; Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution attracted over 8,500 delegates, including 3,000 plus youth and students. It also featured an exhibition showcasing innovations, and technological advancements in the Green Hydrogen sector. The hydrogen-powered bus and hydrogen internal combustion engine(H2ICE) powered truck showcased at the exhibition caught the eyes of the visitor.
Addressing the valedictory session, Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said, “Our commitment to Green Hydrogen is not just about meeting emission targets, which of course is important. It is about seizing a historic opportunity to redefine our energy systems, create new jobs, and secure a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations”, he said.
During his address, the Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Bhupinder S. Bhalla highlighted the transformative potential of Green Hydrogen for India’s energy sector. He said, “Green Hydrogen is not just a new energy source, it is a pathway towards a future where clean energy is the norm, and industries are decarbonized. Over the past three days, we’ve seen how collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders can drive innovation and push the Green Hydrogen agenda forward. The discussions and breakthroughs here will play a critical role in making India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production, usage, and export. The journey ahead will be challenging, but our collective ambition is strong, and the opportunities are vast.”
Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India stressed on the importance of international cooperation and innovative technologies in advancing the Green Hydrogen economy. He outlined, “Green Hydrogen is more than just a technological innovation—it symbolizes a new era in energy where sustainability meets economic viability. The future of energy demands fresh thinking, from cutting-edge technologies to smarter business models, and global collaboration. Together, we can unlock the potential of Green Hydrogen to drive sustainable growth, lower costs, and create a cleaner, resilient future for all.”
Ms. Jyoti Vij, Director General of FICCI, extended her gratitude to all participants and stakeholders, acknowledging their contributions to the conference’s success. She said, “Our country’s transition goals will require concerted efforts from both the government and industry. FICCI remains committed to both making India Green Hydrogen hub, leveraging opportunities both domestically as well as export potential through international collaborations and supporting user industries in the transition towards net zero and adoption of Green Hydrogen.”
