New Delhi – In a major push for clean energy, state-run oil refiners in India are planning green hydrogen projects worth ₹2 trillion, according to Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri. These efforts aim to position India as a global leader in renewable hydrogen production.
Refiners have already floated tenders for 42 kilotonnes per annum (KTPA) of green hydrogen capacity. An additional 128 KTPA will be tendered soon, bringing the total planned capacity to 170 KTPA.
“Refineries have initiated 42 KTPA of tenders, and based on those outcomes, an additional 128 KTPA will be rolled out by public sector undertakings,” Puri shared on social media platform X. “These green hydrogen projects by Indian refiners will require an estimated investment of ₹2 lakh crore.”
The minister also noted that nine research and demonstration plants are currently under construction, while four have already been commissioned by major public sector companies, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), GAIL, Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL).
In his remarks, Puri emphasized the growing importance of green hydrogen in India’s clean energy transition. “Alternative sources of energy are critical to our green goals. Today, we discussed production, transportation, storage, and application strategies with stakeholders from across the green hydrogen value chain,” he said.
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable power, can replace grey hydrogen in sectors like petroleum refining, fertilizer production, and steel manufacturing. Currently, India consumes around 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of grey hydrogen annually—99% of which is used in refining and ammonia production.
The government is especially focused on decarbonizing petroleum refineries by transitioning to green hydrogen, aligning with its broader goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and achieving net-zero emissions.