The scheme guideline was issued by the central government to develop standards and regulatory frameworks under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
On Thursday, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued guidelines to fund testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support for establishing Standards and Regulatory frameworks as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
With a budget of Rs. 200 Crores until FY 2025-26, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will manage implementation, focusing on developing robust testing facilities for quality assurance in Green Hydrogen production and trade.
Furthermore, the scheme aims to address gaps in current testing facilities for Green Hydrogen components and processes. It will fund new facilities and upgrade existing ones to ensure safe operations and enhance quality.
As stated in the ministry’s official release, NISE will manage the upgrade of the existing testing facilities with 0.5% service charges. The upgrade will involve CfP issuance, PAC recommendations for project approvals, knowledge sharing, leveraging existing resources, and funding new and upgraded facilities.
It will also involve promoting open access and Centres of Excellence for comprehensive testing capabilities.
The scheme identifies and supports testing infrastructure based on specified thrust areas. The Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA) will issue proposals for the testing establishment, with government and private entities eligible as Executing Agencies.
A committee will evaluate these proposals, and selected agencies will receive sanctions for execution, ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory approvals.
Under the scheme, MNRE will fund 100% of capital costs for equipment, installation, and commissioning for government entities and up to 70% for non-government entities.
Operational expenses, up to 15% of total support, can be spread over 4 years after project completion. Funds will be disbursed in three instalments, subject to verification by SIA or Ministry officials before each release.
Additionally, the government also released guidelines on timelines and penalties. Failure to utilise funds as sanctioned will require a refund with interest. New facilities must be completed in 18 months, upgrades in 12 months, and extendable up to six months with justification. MNRE may retract, sanction, or cancel projects for delays or non-compliance, with fines determined by the SIA.
Launched on January 4, 2023, with Rs. 19,744 Crore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production and export. It supports clean energy goals, decarbonisation, and technology leadership, including funding testing facilities for the Green Hydrogen value chain.
This scheme also aligns with the country’s goals for self-reliance, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the green energy sector.
