Washington, D.C. — In a significant development underscoring their commitment to global energy transition, India and the United States have prioritized mutual support for each other's hydrogen missions, as announced by the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) on Hydrogen Day. As the world grapples with climate change, the partnership between the two largest democracies is poised to lead the charge in innovative clean energy solutions, with hydrogen emerging as a central element.
Mukesh Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF, emphasized that both nations are committed front-runners in the global energy landscape. The Strategic Clean Energy Partnership has fostered enhanced collaboration in clean energy supply chains, investment financing, and research and development. “The US and India have made it a priority to support each other's national hydrogen missions,” Aghi stated, highlighting the potential for a robust hydrogen economy in India that promises ample employment opportunities through increased public-private sector collaboration and reverse trade missions.
Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), recognized Hydrogen Day as a platform to reflect on dynamic discussions and innovations showcased during the recent International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2024) in New Delhi, with the US as a partner country. “This landmark event reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the global green hydrogen ecosystem,” Yadav noted, adding that India is taking significant steps in positioning itself as a global hub for green hydrogen production and technology through the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Dr. Sunita Satyapal, Director of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office at the US Department of Energy, reiterated the need for collaborative efforts to accelerate research and deployment of clean hydrogen technologies.
“We still have significant work to do, and I look forward to collaborating on concrete actions to meet our goals,” she expressed. The US-India Hydrogen Task Force, launched in June 2021, aims to expedite the development and deployment of clean hydrogen technologies. Comprising over fifty leading industry players, research institutions, and academia from both countries, the task force emphasizes private sector input to drive advancements in clean energy.
Future initiatives will focus on enhancing collaboration on safety standards and the Hydrogen Energy Earthshot initiative, targeting a reduction to USD 1 for 1 kilogram of clean hydrogen within the next decade. The Renewable Energy Technology Partnership (RETAP) is also set to play a crucial role in research and analysis to lower hydrogen costs and improve technology performance. As both nations embark on this ambitious journey towards a sustainable energy future, the collaboration on hydrogen initiatives signals a powerful commitment to combating climate change and fostering innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow.
