India has set an ambitious target to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This goal is central to its National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to decarbonize key industrial sectors and position the country as a leader in clean energy.
This initiative builds on India's significant progress in clean energy. By December 2025, non-fossil fuel sources accounted for 51.93% of India’s installed power capacity. This achievement surpassed the 50% target set under the country’s second Nationally Determined Contribution. Green hydrogen is crucial for sectors like petroleum refining and fertilizer production, where direct electrification is challenging.
India's energy transition strategy is comprehensive, addressing its growing energy demand and ensuring energy access and affordability. The strategy combines renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, nuclear power, and carbon markets. It also focuses on industrial competitiveness and job creation. This approach reflects a developing nation's need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Ghana, facing similar development challenges, can observe India's model for integrating clean energy goals with national economic policy. Both nations are part of the Global South, where such strategies can have widespread impact.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s Renewable Energy Statistics 2025, India ranks fourth globally in total installed renewable energy capacity. This demonstrates its commitment and capability in scaling up clean energy solutions. The National Green Hydrogen Mission has already allocated 862,000 tonnes per year of production capacity to 18 companies. Additionally, 15 firms have been awarded 3,000 MW of annual electrolyser manufacturing capacity, crucial for green hydrogen production. Three green hydrogen hubs have been identified at major ports, including Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat.
The focus on green hydrogen has significant implications for industrial applications and international trade. In the fertilizer sector, there is an aggregate procurement capacity of 724,000 metric tonnes per annum of green ammonia. This is priced at ₹55.75 per kilogram. Pilot projects are testing green hydrogen in steel manufacturing, aiming to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. Internationally, India is engaging in partnerships under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It is also collaborating with countries like the UK and Germany on hydrogen standardisation and market mechanisms. This positions India to shape future clean energy trade and supply chains.
Ghanaian policymakers and businesses should monitor India's progress closely. India's proactive efforts in green hydrogen could influence global energy markets and technology development. This could create new opportunities for collaboration and investment in clean energy infrastructure across the Global South. The success of India's mission will demonstrate the economic viability and environmental benefits of large-scale green hydrogen production. This will likely encourage other developing economies to adopt similar strategies for energy independence and decarbonisation.