MNRE discusses hydrogen safety standards as India pushes for wider adoption

New Delhi: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on Thursday brought together government officials, industry representatives, researchers and experts to discuss standards and safety measures for the production, storage, transportation and use of hydrogen in India.

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The discussions were held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day 2026 celebrations. More than 100 participants attended the event.

Two panel discussions focused on hydrogen standards and safety at hydrogen facilities, with participation from organisations including the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD), besides research and industry organisations.

The discussions highlighted the need for clear and comprehensive standards covering hydrogen production, storage, transportation and end-use. Participants also emphasised stronger testing and training systems to ensure safe handling of hydrogen and closer coordination among government agencies, industry and technical experts.

A report titled “India’s Hydrogen Standards: Gap Assessment and Preliminary Action Framework”, prepared in association with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), was also released during the event.

The report examines existing hydrogen standards in India, identifies gaps and outlines areas requiring further attention, along with a preliminary framework for addressing them.

The valedictory session was attended by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, as the chief guest. Akash Tripathi, Managing Director, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), delivered the special address, while Mohammad Rihan, Director General, National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), also addressed the gathering.

Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission, MNRE, delivered the opening remarks, while Sujit Pillai, Scientist F, MNRE, proposed the vote of thanks.

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The National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved in January 2023 with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, seeks to position India as a global hub for the production, use and export of green hydrogen and its related products.

The Mission has set a target of developing 5 million metric tonnes per annum of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030. It supports green hydrogen production, manufacturing of related equipment, pilot projects, research and development, and skill development and training.

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