India's route towards hydrogen economy

Fri Aug 29, 2025

Why in News?

Indian Railways has successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered train (converted from a diesel unit) at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.The train is part of a pilot project under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and is set to run on the Jind–Sonepat route in Haryana.The initiative marks a significant step in India’s transition to green and sustainable mobility. 

Importance of Hydrogen Clean Energy Source

Emits only water vapor when used in fuel cells — zero carbon emissions.Energy Independence: Reduces India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.High Energy Density: Hydrogen has ~3 times more energy per unit mass than gasoline.Versatile Applications: Can be used in transportation, power generation, industries like steel, fertilizers, and refining.Storage Medium: Can store excess renewable energy, aiding in grid stability.

 Analysis Related to UPSC Mains 

GS Paper 3 & Paper 2)GS Paper 3 – Environment & Energy

Sustainable Development: Hydrogen aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy).Decarbonizing Transport: Indian Railways aims to become net-zero by 2030 — hydrogen trains are key.Green Hydrogen Push: The National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) promotes domestic production of green hydrogen (target: 5 MMT/year by 2030).Technological Innovation: Indigenous retrofitting of diesel coaches demonstrates India’s R&D capability.GS Paper 2 – Governance & Policy:Policy support through missions (e.g., FAME-II, Green Hydrogen Mission).Inter-sectoral coordination between ministries: Railways, New & Renewable Energy, Heavy Industries, etc.

Challenges to the Hydrogen Economy

Challenge Details 

• High Production Cost Green hydrogen (via electrolysis using renewable energy) is still expensive.
• Storage & Transport Hydrogen is highly flammable and requires high-pressure storage.Infrastructure Gaps Lack of refueling stations, pipelines, and safety frameworks.
• Technology Maturity Hydrogen fuel cells are still in early deployment stages in India.
• Regulatory Uncertainty Need for clear guidelines on safety, use, and taxation.

Massive investments planned under the ₹19,744 crore National Green Hydrogen Mission.Expansion to Other Sectors: Including heavy industry, aviation, and shipping.Private Sector Involvement: Companies like Reliance, Adani, and Indian Oil investing in hydrogen tech.Export Potential: India could emerge as a green hydrogen export hub, especially to Europe and Japan.Carbon Neutral Railways: Hydrogen trains will help meet Indian Railways' Net Zero target by 2030.

 UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to hydrogen as a fuel, consider the following statements:1)Hydrogen has a lower energy content per unit mass than diesel.2)Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water as a by-product.3)Hydrogen can be produced using renewable energy sources.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 2 and 3 only

B. 1 and 2 only

 C. 1, 2 and 3

D. 3 only✅ 

Answer: A 

Statement 1 is incorrect: Hydrogen has higher energy content per unit mass than diesel.