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The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of ₹19,744 crore, in a move aimed at making the country a global hub to produce, utilise and export green hydrogen and its derivatives.
The government expects that the initiative will help abate nearly 50 million tonnes (MT) of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and cumulatively reduce fossil fuel imports estimated at over ₹1 lakh crore.
Briefing presspersons about the Cabinet decisions, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Minister Anurag Thakur said the mission would be instrumental in making India energy-independent and decarbonising major sectors of the economy.
The initial outlay includes ₹17,490 crore for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT); ₹1,466 crore for pilot projects; ₹400 crore for research and development; and ₹388 crore for other mission components.
Hydrogen is sought after as a fuel because its combustion releases only steam. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is to formulate the scheme guidelines for implementation of the respective components.
Offers incentives
The government has already announced some incentives with a view to cutting the cost of hydrogen by half by 2030. They include priority power supply for manufacturers, concessions and short-term waivers for distributors and transmission costs, respectively; and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is expected to operate a single-window clearance system for proposals.
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