is formalised through the NGHM, which provides a comprehensive framework covering production, demand creation, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. The mission targets large-scale green hydrogen capacity creation, domestic electrolyser manufacturing, and development of hydrogen hubs linked to renewable energy corridors and ports. The mission adopts an integrated value- chain approach, recognising that hydrogen deployment requires coordinated action across power generation, manufacturing, industrial demand, and logistics. Importantly, the policy design emphasises ecosystem creation and early risk mitigation rather than long-term subsidy dependence. By aggregating demand, supporting pilot projects, and encouraging domestic manufacturing, the mission seeks to accelerate learning and cost reduction while positioning Indian industry competitively in global markets. For refining and heavy industry, this policy clarity reduces investment uncertainty and supports long-term transition planning. Infrastructure and system integration challenges Scaling green hydrogen requires coordinated development across electricity infrastructure, water sourcing and treatment, hydrogen storage and transport, and certification frameworks for domestic and international trade. Electrolysers must be integrated with renewable power systems capable of delivering high utilisation rates, while hydrogen handling infrastructure must meet stringent industrial safety and reliability requirements. Water availability and management are also critical considerations, particularly in arid regions, necessitating the use of treated wastewater or desalination where appropriate. India’s experience in developing large-scale energy and industrial infrastructure, including renewable parks, transmission corridors, pipelines, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, provides confidence that these challenges can be addressed through integrated planning and policy coordination. Global trade and export potential At the global level, green hydrogen is increasingly
viewed as a traded commodity. Several economies, including Japan, South Korea, and parts of Europe, face structural constraints in domestic renewable energy availability and are actively seeking long-term imports of hydrogen and its derivatives. Green ammonia and synthetic fuels are expected to dominate early trade flows due to easier storage and transport characteristics. India’s renewable cost advantage, industrial capability, and access to ports on both eastern and western coasts position it well to participate in these emerging markets. For the refining and petrochemical sectors, this creates opportunities to integrate domestic hydrogen consumption with export-oriented value chains, potentially transforming refineries into integrated energy and molecule hubs over time. Implications for Indian refineries: transition pathways and strategic considerations For Indian refineries, the emergence of green hydrogen represents a structural shift rather than an incremental compliance exercise. Hydrogen is not a peripheral input but a core utility embedded across multiple process units. As a result, the transition from grey to green hydrogen “ In the near term, the most pragmatic pathway for refineries lies in partial substitution of existing hydrogen supply with green hydrogen through blending or dedicated supply to selected units ” must be approached as a phased, system-level transformation aligned with asset life cycles, turnaround schedules, and long-term capital planning. In the near term, the most pragmatic pathway for refineries lies in partial substitution of existing hydrogen supply with green hydrogen through blending or dedicated supply to selected units. On-site electrolysis, powered by captive or contracted renewable energy, offers refiners direct control over supply reliability and purity, while minimising transport and storage complexity. Such configurations are particularly attractive for large, integrated refinery-petrochemical complexes with access to sufficient land and grid connectivity.
Refining India
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