Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)

Learn about India’s Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI), aimed at verifying the origin of green hydrogen and promoting clean energy transition.

Table of Contents

Context: Recently, the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI).

About Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme

The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme is aimed at establishing a framework to certify green hydrogen production and ensure transparency, traceability and market credibility.
It is launched to certify that the hydrogen produced is truly green, i.e., produced from renewable sources with low emissions.
It will prevent greenwashing (false claims of green production) and build global trust in India’s green hydrogen exports.
Nodal agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
Two Types of certificates will be issued for GH production facilities:
- Concept certificate (voluntary)
- Facility level certificate (mandatory).
Calculation of GHG emissions intensity for GH production shall follow the MNRE Green Hydrogen Emission Calculation Methodology.
The certificate is non-transferable or tradeable and cannot be claimed for any emission reduction credits.

Definition of Green Hydrogen (as per Indian standard)

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE):
- Green hydrogen must emit less than 2 kg of CO₂ per kg of hydrogen produced.
- It should be generated using:
  - Electrolysis powered by renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro).
  - Biomass-based methods (non-fossil).

Green Hydrogen Mission

Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Scheme Implementation agency (SIA): National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).

Key Objectives

Develop a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per year by 2030.
Reduce dependency on fossil fuel imports.
Promote export of green hydrogen and its derivatives (e.g. green ammonia).
Decarbonise sectors such as steel, fertilisers, refining, shipping, and heavy-duty transport.

Major Components

SIGHT Programme: Under this, two distinct financial incentive mechanisms will be provided, targeting domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and production of Green Hydrogen.
Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP): A public-private partnership framework for R&D will be facilitated under the Mission.