New Delhi: In a transformative step toward establishing India as a global leader in clean energy, the Government of India has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The scheme, introduced by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, aims to create a robust framework for certifying green hydrogen production, ensuring transparency, traceability, and market credibility. This landmark initiative was unveiled during a national workshop titled “Opportunities for MSMEs in the Green Hydrogen Supply Chain”, organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on April 29, 2025, in New Delhi. With a focus on integrating Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into the green hydrogen ecosystem, the event underscored India’s commitment to innovation-led growth and sustainable development.
Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme: A Game-Changer for Clean Energy
The GHCI, administered by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) as the nodal authority, is designed to develop a comprehensive methodology for the measurement, monitoring, reporting, onsite verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives. The scheme operates at the project level, encompassing all stages of green hydrogen production up to compression and purification for transport. Notably, processes such as transport, storage, conversion into hydrogen carriers, reconversion, and utilization outside plant boundaries are excluded from the certification scope.
Certification Details and Eligibility
The GHCI offers two types of certificates for green hydrogen production facilities:
- Concept Certificate: A voluntary certificate for facilities seeking initial recognition.
- Facility-Level Certificate: A mandatory certificate ensuring compliance with the scheme’s standards.
To qualify as “green,” hydrogen production must meet a stringent average emission intensity requirement of 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen (2 kg CO2eq/kg H2) or less, calculated using the MNRE Green Hydrogen Emission Calculation Methodology. The certification is non-transferable and non-tradable, and certified producers cannot claim emission reduction credits under this scheme.
The GHCI also sets a 1% materiality threshold for emission sources, ensuring that only significant emissions are accounted for in the certification process. Producers must appoint Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies, recognized by the BEE, for independent assessment of emissions. Eligible production pathways include electrolysis powered by renewable electricity and biomass conversion methods, with renewable energy supply sourced from dedicated or common transmission lines.
Aligning with Global Standards
With countries worldwide racing to scale up green hydrogen production to meet net-zero targets, the GHCI aligns with international best practices, strengthening investor confidence and enabling compliance with global trade standards. The scheme is particularly significant for companies bidding for government incentives under the NGHM, although it currently excludes exporters who have not availed these incentives.
National Green Hydrogen Mission: Driving India’s Clean Energy Vision
Launched in 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission is a cornerstone of India’s strategy to become a global hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. With an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, the mission targets a production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen per annum by 2030, supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. The mission is expected to attract investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore, create over six lakh jobs, and significantly reduce fossil fuel imports and greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Components of NGHM
The NGHM includes several strategic initiatives:
- Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme: Aimed at accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen technologies.
- Green Hydrogen Hubs: Designated regions to promote large-scale production and utilization.
- Demand Creation: Promoting exports and domestic consumption to stimulate market growth.
- Supply-Side Solutions: Addressing constraints in infrastructure and technology.
- Certification Framework: Establishing standards like the GHCI to ensure credibility.
The mission also seeks to decarbonize key industries such as refining, fertilizers, and steel, positioning India as a leader in the global hydrogen economy.
National Workshop: Empowering MSMEs in the Green Hydrogen Ecosystem
The launch of the GHCI coincided with a high-profile national workshop organized by the MNRE on April 29, 2025, in New Delhi. The event, attended by over 300 delegates, brought together representatives from MSMEs, policymakers, technology providers, industry associations, and international partners. The workshop highlighted the pivotal role of MSMEs in the green hydrogen supply chain and explored opportunities for their integration into this rapidly evolving sector.
Technical Sessions and Key Discussions
The workshop featured four technical sessions addressing critical aspects of the green hydrogen value chain:
- Technology Collaboration for MSMEs: Experts discussed R&D partnerships, indigenous manufacturing of components like electrolysers and bipolar plates, and collaboration with academic and research institutions to drive innovation.
- Business Opportunities in the Supply Chain: This session explored scalable business models, global market trends, and strategies to integrate MSMEs into large-scale green hydrogen projects.
- Decentralized Hydrogen Production via Biomass: Presentations showcased the potential of rural hydrogen generation through thermochemical and biochemical biomass conversion, promoting circular economy models.
- Catalyzing Investments: Financial experts from institutions like the World Bank, IREDA, and KfW deliberated on risk mitigation strategies, green credit lines, and investment facilitation for MSMEs.
MSME Opportunities and Challenges
MSMEs were identified as key players in component manufacturing, operation and maintenance (O&M) services, and rural hydrogen generation. Participants expressed interest in forming Green Hydrogen Clusters to share infrastructure and scale operations efficiently. However, they emphasized the need for:
- Standardized protocols to streamline processes.
- Shared R&D platforms to foster innovation.
- Long-term policy stability to attract private investment.
The workshop also underscored the importance of capacity building, access to finance, and technology linkages to enable MSMEs to thrive in the green hydrogen economy. Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to creating robust institutional and infrastructural frameworks to support MSMEs.
Union Minister’s Vision for Green Hydrogen
In his inaugural address, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the government’s commitment to innovation-led growth, noting that MSMEs are poised to serve as the backbone of India’s green energy ambitions. He described the GHCI as a pivotal step in establishing a credible and transparent framework for certifying green hydrogen production, ensuring market integrity and traceability. Joshi highlighted the scheme’s role in supporting the NGHM’s broader goals of decarbonizing industries and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Why the GHCI Matters
The launch of the GHCI is a landmark move in India’s clean energy journey. By setting a strict emissions cap of 2.0 kg CO2eq per kg of hydrogen, the scheme ensures that only hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources qualifies as green. This rigorous standard enhances the credibility of India’s green hydrogen in global markets, making it attractive to renewable developers, industrial users, and exporters.
The GHCI also addresses the growing demand for transparent certification systems in the global hydrogen economy. As countries like the European Union and Japan impose strict regulations on hydrogen imports, India’s certification scheme positions it as a competitive player in the international trade of green hydrogen.
Broader Impacts and Future Outlook
The GHCI and NGHM are expected to have far-reaching impacts on India’s economy and environment. By 2030, the mission aims to:
- Reduce fossil fuel imports, saving billions in foreign exchange.
- Create six lakh jobs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India’s net-zero targets.
- Establish India as a global leader in green hydrogen production and export.
The focus on MSMEs is particularly significant, as these enterprises account for a substantial share of India’s industrial output and employment. By integrating them into the green hydrogen supply chain, the government aims to create a decentralized, inclusive, and sustainable economic model.
Conclusion
The launch of the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) marks a defining moment in India’s pursuit of a clean energy future. By establishing a transparent and credible framework for certifying green hydrogen, the scheme strengthens India’s position in the global hydrogen economy while supporting the ambitious goals of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The integration of MSMEs into the green hydrogen ecosystem, coupled with robust policy support and international collaboration, sets the stage for India to emerge as a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export. As the world transitions to sustainable energy, India’s strategic investments in green hydrogen are poised to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)?
The GHCI is a framework launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to certify green hydrogen production. It ensures transparency, traceability, and market credibility by setting standards for measurement, monitoring, reporting, onsite verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
2. Who oversees the GHCI, and what is its scope?
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal authority for the GHCI. The scheme operates at the project level, covering all stages of green hydrogen production up to compression and purification for transport. It excludes processes like transport, storage, conversion into hydrogen carriers, reconversion, and utilization outside plant boundaries.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for green hydrogen certification?
To be certified as “green,” hydrogen production must have an average emission intensity of 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen (2 kg CO2eq/kg H2) or less, calculated using the MNRE Green Hydrogen Emission Calculation Methodology. Eligible production pathways include electrolysis powered by renewable electricity and biomass conversion methods.
4. What types of certificates are issued under the GHCI?
The GHCI issues two types of certificates: a voluntary Concept Certificate for initial recognition and a mandatory Facility-Level Certificate to ensure compliance with the scheme’s standards. Certificates are non-transferable, non-tradable, and cannot be claimed for emission reduction credits.
5. How does the GHCI support India’s clean energy goals?
The GHCI aligns with the NGHM’s target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. It enhances India’s credibility in the global hydrogen economy, supports decarbonization of industries like refining and steel, and promotes MSME integration into the green hydrogen supply chain, fostering economic growth and sustainability.
