Indo-German Energy Forum Subgroup V Meeting on Green Hydrogen
The first meeting of the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF) Subgroup V on Green Hydrogen took place on 17 December 2024 in a hybrid format. This meeting marked a significant milestone in institutionalising the ongoing Indo-German dialogue on green hydrogen, with the establishment of a permanent working group under IGEF to replace the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force.
The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and Dr. Christian Storost, Head of Division, International Hydrogen Ramp-up, Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Discussions focused on recent Indo-German activities in green hydrogen and the implementation of the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap, with a special emphasis on upcoming initiatives in 2025. Dr. Prasad Chaphekar, Deputy Secretary, Green Hydrogen Division, MNRE, provided an update on the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Shri Bakre highlighted that India expects 70% of the planned 5 MMTPA of green hydrogen to be exported, subject to cost fluctuations. Dr. Storost outlined Germany’s hydrogen import strategy, estimating that 50-70% of its 2030 demand (1.5–2.7 MMTPA) is expected to be met through imports, with hydrogen derivatives via ship being a viable option.
Key stakeholder Contributions:
Dr. Susana Moreira, Executive Director and Co-chair, H2Global Stiftung introduced the upcoming 2nd H2Global/HintCo tender.
Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Executive Director (Solar), Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) provided insights into the ongoing collaboration between H2Global and SECI.
Mr. Stefan Kliesch, Head of Energy, KfW India, discussed the 2nd Call for Expression of Interest for the PtX Development Fund.
Mr. Markus Hoffmann von Wolffersdorff, Managing Director, KNPP Indigo, announced the “Indo-German Green Hydrogen Cooperation” event in the framework of the annual conference of German Hydrogen cluster HZwo e.V. in Leipzig.
Mr. Tapas Kapadia, CEO, RWE Supply & Trading India, expressed concerns regarding slow progress in by Indian projects, citing a wait-and-watch approach for offtake agreements.
Dr. P.V. Lalitha, Chief Scientific Officer, Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) highlighted the Indo-German flagship research programme 2+2, with a 2025 thematic call on "Advanced Materials," expected in Feb/March 2025.
Mr. Sanmati Naik, Fraunhofer Office India, discussed Hydrogen Valleys and the integration of electricity system to scale up green hydrogen ecosystems.
Mr. Rajesh Mediratta, Managing Director and CEO, Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) emphasised efforts to develop an India hydrogen index, leveraging support from the European Energy Exchange (EEX).
As outlined in the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap, a joint calendar of green hydrogen-related trade fairs and conferences will be made publicly available and updated regularly. The meeting concluded with discussion on future events and next steps to advance the activities under IGEF Subgroup V.