India unveils new standards with ambition to become global green hydrogen production hub

India wants to set a target of producing 5 million tonnes of fuel annually by 2030. (Source: AP)

The Indian government has set a 2 kg carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions limit for producing 1 kg of “green” hydrogen from renewable sources.

In early 2023, officials from India - the country holding the rotating presidency of the Group of 20 leading developed and emerging economies (G20) - proposed a limit of 1 kg of CO2 emissions for the production of 1 kg of green hydrogen, only half the threshold just announced.

India wants to become a global hub for green hydrogen production and is aiming to produce 5 million tonnes of the fuel annually by 2030. This will reduce about 50 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and save more than $12 billion in fossil fuel imports.

It's an ambitious plan for a country whose current hydrogen consumption is produced largely from fossil fuels.

While India is expected to produce hydrogen for the first time by 2026, it has negotiated bilateral deals with the European Union (EU), Japan and other countries to start exporting the fuel.