New Delhi I Economy India: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Wednesday emphasized that India holds the potential to transition from being a major energy importer to a global exporter of clean energy, provided it can bring down the cost of hydrogen production to $1 per kilogram.
Speaking at the 24th Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Gadkari highlighted the urgent need to accelerate research and innovation in hydrogen energy technologies.
“If India succeeds in reducing the cost of hydrogen production to just one dollar per kg, we can compete with oil-producing nations. This will not only ensure energy self-reliance but also create export opportunities,” the minister said.
India Could Rival Oil Producers with Affordable Hydrogen: Nitin Gadkari
Current Cost a Major Hurdle
At present, the cost of producing hydrogen in India ranges between $5 to $6 per kg, making it significantly more expensive than conventional fossil fuels. This price gap has limited hydrogen’s commercial adoption, despite its potential as a clean and sustainable energy source.
Gadkari noted that advancements in green hydrogen production, electrolysis technology, and renewable energy integration are crucial to achieving cost parity with fossil fuels.
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Pathway to Energy Independence
Hydrogen is increasingly being viewed as the fuel of the future, with potential applications in transportation, industry, and power generation. Reducing production costs could help India drastically cut down on crude oil imports, improve its trade balance, and move closer to its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
The minister also underlined the government’s commitment to promoting clean energy initiatives, including:
Expanding the National Green Hydrogen Mission
Supporting R&D for hydrogen-powered vehicles
Encouraging public-private partnerships in hydrogen infrastructure
Global Implications
With countries worldwide investing heavily in hydrogen, India’s ability to produce the fuel affordably would not only strengthen its domestic energy security but also allow it to emerge as a key player in the global green energy market, rivaling traditional oil-exporting economies.
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