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India is stepping into the spotlight as a global pioneer in green hydrogen, with the nation gearing up to host the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2024) from September 11-13 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This high-profile event promises to showcase India’s ambitious strides in clean energy and innovation.

At the curtain-raiser ceremony on 4th September 2024, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi underlined the conference’s pivotal role in advancing India’s green hydrogen sector. "The second edition of ICGH 2024 marks a significant milestone in our mission to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and its derivatives," Joshi stated. He highlighted that the three-day event will unite thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to delve into the latest advancements in green hydrogen technology.

India’s push for green hydrogen is part of a broader strategy to enhance its position in the global clean energy market. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is setting ambitious goals for green hydrogen, with the National Green Hydrogen Mission aiming to make India a global leader in this crucial sector.

The conference will feature a host of activities designed to engage participants and spur innovation. Noteworthy highlights include:

• GH2thon Hackathon: An exciting competition inviting students, researchers, and startups to develop groundbreaking solutions for the green hydrogen sector, with cash prizes totaling ₹2.5 lakhs.

• Scientific Poster Competition: Over 100 abstracts will compete for prizes in hydrogen and fuel cell research.

• Green Hydrogen Quiz Finale: Teams will battle it out in a quiz competition with prize money up for grabs.

• Youth Session: "Green Hydrogen for Youth" will spotlight the next generation of renewable energy leaders, featuring talks from celebrities and environmental activists.

The conference also aims to address practical challenges and opportunities in green hydrogen, including financing, infrastructure development, and international collaboration. Shri Bhupinder S. Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, emphasized the event’s role in fostering global cooperation and innovation.

The first edition of ICGH in 2023 was a success, laying the groundwork for India’s green hydrogen ecosystem. Since then, the Indian government has made significant strides, including awarding substantial capacity for electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production, and launching a ₹400 crore R&D scheme to support research in the sector.