India and US Unite for Global Hydrogen Economy: A Strategic Partnership
Washington: The United States and India are emerging as key leaders in the global energy transition, particularly in the hydrogen sector, according to Mukesh Aghi, president and CEO of the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF). On the occasion of Hydrogen Day, Aghi highlighted the commitment of both nations to support each other’s hydrogen missions as part of a broader strategy to combat climate change through clean energy innovations.
As the world’s two largest democracies, the US and India are uniquely positioned to spearhead efforts in clean energy, with hydrogen playing a pivotal role. “Through the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, we have witnessed increased collaboration related to clean energy supply chains, financing, investments, and research and development,” Aghi stated, emphasizing the importance of hydrogen in global decarbonization efforts.
Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), echoed this sentiment, noting that the Hydrogen Day celebrations were an opportunity to reflect on the recent International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2024) held in New Delhi, which the US partnered in. He affirmed India’s commitment to becoming a global hub for green hydrogen production and technology through its National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Dr. Sunita Satyapal, Director of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office at the US Department of Energy, acknowledged the ongoing work required to enhance research, development, and deployment of clean hydrogen technologies. She emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve the set goals.
Since the launch of the US-India Hydrogen Task Force in June 2021, significant progress has been made in bringing together industry leaders, research institutions, and academia from both nations to advance clean hydrogen technologies. The task force aims to facilitate cooperation across various sectors, promoting the exchange of knowledge and resources.
Looking ahead, efforts will focus on enhancing safety standards and the Hydrogen Energy Earthshot initiative, aiming for USD 1 per kilogram of clean hydrogen within the next decade. The collaboration is expected to unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution, creating ample employment opportunities in India.
With both countries committed to fostering a strong hydrogen economy, the partnership promises to play a critical role in addressing global energy challenges and driving forward the clean energy transition.
