The three-day International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) recently concluded with interesting sessions and the participation of 8,500 delegates. The conference, held from September 11-13, 2024 was inaugurated by Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy. The hydrogen powered bus and hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE) powered truck showcased at the exhibition caught the eyes of the visitor.
Minister of State, MNRE Shripad Y. Naik underlined that India has ushered into a new era of energy transition driven by a shared commitment to advancing the Hydrogen Agenda.
Naik emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to advance clean and green energy. He highlighted the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an initial outlay of INR19,744 crores as a comprehensive strategy, encompassing demand creation, production, R&D, infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, international partnerships, and most importantly, skill development and job creation.
The US was the official partner country in this second edition of the International Green Hydrogen Conference (ICGH-2024).
Addressing the valedictory session, Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said, “Our commitment to Green Hydrogen is not just about meeting emission targets, which of course is important. It is about seizing a historic opportunity to redefine our energy systems, create new jobs, and secure a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.”
During his address, MNRE Secretary Bhupinder S. Bhalla highlighted the transformative potential of Green Hydrogen for India’s energy sector.
Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stressed on the importance of international cooperation and innovative technologies in advancing the Green Hydrogen economy.
Jyoti Vij, Director General of FICCI, extended her gratitude to all participants and stakeholders, acknowledging their contributions to the conference’s success.
The plenary sessions held during the conference highlighted the initiatives and advancements from the USA, the European Union, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and the global perspective as presented by IRENA. These sessions underscored the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange in accelerating the Green Hydrogen economy.
The first day of the conference emphasized Green Hydrogen’s crucial role in shaping India’s energy future and promoting economic growth and sustainability. The second day highlighted youth involvement, with Ms. Saina Nehwal inspiring young participants. Additionally, Nandlal Gupta from IIT Bombay won the GH2Thon Hackathon, and an interactive poster competition showcased innovations in Green Hydrogen.
On the third and final day, the conference highlighted India’s dedication to international collaboration and innovation. A key feature was “The Hydrogen Challenge: Test Your Elemental Knowledge,” an engaging quiz moderated by Deepak Taneja, Deputy General Manager at Indian Oil.