Green hydrogen has emerged as one of the most transformative energy technologies shaping the future of global industries. As corporations commit to net-zero agendas and face pressure from investors, regulators, and international supply chains, the need for deep decarbonisation has never been stronger. Unlike traditional renewables that primarily replace grid electricity, green hydrogen can decarbonise sectors that are otherwise hard to electrify—such as steel, cement, chemicals, mobility, and heavy manufacturing.
Solar-powered electrolysis is unlocking a new era of low-carbon fuel production. With India achieving some of the world’s lowest solar tariffs, green hydrogen is now significantly more cost-competitive compared to grey hydrogen derived from natural gas. Furthermore, as carbon taxes and emission disclosure mandates expand, companies that transition early stand to gain a clear long-term advantage.
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and state-level policies have created strong incentives for adoption, making 2025 a pivotal year for corporate green hydrogen strategies.
Why Companies Are Moving to Green Hydrogen
Corporates are shifting to green hydrogen to reduce emissions in processes where electricity alone cannot provide the required heat or chemical input. Hydrogen replaces fossil fuels in high-temperature operations and chemical reactions. Additionally, global buyers now evaluate suppliers on ESG metrics, pushing Indian exporters to adopt clean fuels. With carbon pricing expected to rise, green hydrogen becomes a long-term hedge against regulatory and cost uncertainties.
Solar as the Cheapest Source of Electrolysis Power
Electrolyzers require large amounts of electricity, and solar offers the lowest-cost renewable energy source for this purpose. India’s solar tariffs—among the lowest globally—make solar-powered hydrogen production economically viable. Pairing solar with hydrogen projects ensures predictable input costs for decades. As solar + storage systems mature, green hydrogen production can achieve near-continuous output at significantly lower lifetime costs.
“Green hydrogen will do for heavy industry what solar did for the power sector—unlock a cleaner, cheaper, and globally competitive future.”
Pawan Kumar, Operations Tweet
Emerging Policies & Incentives in India
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission provides incentives for electrolyzer manufacturing, production-linked subsidies, and viability gap funding. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are rolling out dedicated hydrogen policies, offering land concessions, reduced transmission charges, and tax benefits. These policies reduce CAPEX, improve project bankability, and accelerate corporate adoption across industrial clusters.
Applications in Steel, Cement, and Fertiliser Industries
Green hydrogen is especially impactful in sectors where fossil fuels dominate. In steelmaking, it replaces coke in the reduction process. In cement, hydrogen can power high-temperature kilns. Fertiliser manufacturing—particularly ammonia and urea—can substitute grey hydrogen with green hydrogen, cutting emissions drastically. These sectors are early adopters due to high energy intensity and regulatory pressure.
Looking forward to how these updates will modernize processes and strengthen industry reputation!