India and the European Union (EU) have set the stage for significant advancements in the green hydrogen sector, finalizing what can be described as a comprehensive roadmap during the recent 10th meeting of the India-EU Energy Panel in Brussels. Held on November 21, this pivotal meeting was co-chaired by Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, and Ditte Juul Jorgensen, Director-General for Energy at the European Commission. Key representatives from India included officials from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Power, alongside counterparts from the EU's Directorate General for Energy and Climate Action.
The backdrop of this meeting was the growing global interest and investment potential of green hydrogen, which is seen as pivotal for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security for both regions. The meeting observed the completion of joint initiatives encompassing technical cooperation across 51 activities distributed among nine sectors. This collaborative effort is aimed at delineate clear cooperation frameworks and policies on green hydrogen.
The discussions followed the participation of EU member states at the International Conference on Green Hydrogen 2024 hosted by India, marking India’s role as the exclusive country partner for the upcoming European Hydrogen Week 2024. This bilateral engagement underlines the shared commitment of both sides to support clean energy projects through long-term research partnerships, particularly as part of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council’s Working Group on Clean and Green Technologies, established earlier this year.
During the meeting, the India-EU Energy Panel advanced their agenda by adopting the Work Plan for the third phase of the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership, covering the years 2025 to 2028. This plan lays out a focused approach to deepen collaboration across five priority areas: green hydrogen, offshore wind, regional connectivity, as well as electricity market integration and smart grids.
One of the most exciting aspects of the newly adopted work plan is its emphasis on green hydrogen. Representatives noted the agenda includes assessing the feasibility of infrastructure development, enhancing regulatory frameworks, fostering technology cooperation, and strengthening supply chains within this burgeoning industry. The demand for hydrogen has surged as industries pivot away from traditional fossil fuels.
"The two sides have laid out extensive agendas for green hydrogen cooperation, which includes various aspects such as assessing infrastructure development feasibility and regulatory cooperation," the Ministry of External Affairs reported. This indicates not just the ambition but also the structured approach both India and the EU envision for the future of energy development.
Adding to the significance of this collaboration, the energy panel noted the successful knowledge-sharing initiatives already underway. Both parties are committed to continuing their engagement with the International Energy Agency, and are aligning their efforts closely with discussions under the G20 framework, indicating the global nature of these energy challenges. The meeting showcased how countries are working together to navigate the transition toward sustainable energy systems.
The prospects of green hydrogen as clean energy solutions remain hot topics among environmentalists and industrial leaders alike. The technology promises to provide clean energy alternatives, particularly for sectors where direct electrification is challenging, such as heavy industry and shipping. Experts believe strengthening India's position as a global player could yield economic benefits, driving innovation and creating jobs across various sectors.
Underpinning these ambitions is the commitment to develop supportive infrastructures such as electrolyzers and pipelines, which are pivotal to facilitating the widespread adoption and distribution of green hydrogen. The focus on regulatory and technological cooperation aims to streamline processes and increase investments, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
With renewable energy being at the forefront of global energy policy, stakeholders from both India and the EU offered insights on aligning their efforts to drive energy transition policies conducive to green hydrogen growth. The EU's model emphasizes regulatory frameworks derived from years of experience scaling renewable initiatives, which can be invaluable to India's ambitious targets.
India itself is making substantial strides, having set aggressive targets for renewable energy adoption. The country aims to achieve 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and aims to become carbon neutral by 2070. With the commitment to develop frameworks for green hydrogen cooperation, these goals can be accelerated through partnerships and investments.
Overall, the outcome of the 10th meeting of the India-EU Energy Panel reflects the growing recognition of the importance of green hydrogen as part of the energy transition strategy. The detailed roadmap paves the way for both partnerships and investments, driving forward the global energy agenda necessary to meet climate goals.
The next steps will likely involve tangible actions and projects being outlined to meet the ambitious agendas set by both India and the EU as they steer toward sustainable energy practices for the future. Continued collaboration, transparency, and commitment to innovative solutions will be key to making green hydrogen not just feasible, but a cornerstone of energy policy around the world.
