Germany sets path for green hydrogen imports from India

Germany has laid the foundations for the potential imports of green hydrogen from India as the two countries agreed on a strategic plan to advance the adoption of the fuel.

As part of the 7th German-Indian government consultations, the two countries signed the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap which is designed to make green hydrogen economically viable in the long term and support global production and trade, the German economy ministry said.

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A major focus is placed on promoting private-sector investments.

“With its highly competitive renewable energy prices, India has the potential to produce green hydrogen at a globally competitive level. India aims to become a global hub and major exporter of green hydrogen. German energy companies see key investment opportunities in India. At the same time, Germany’s economy will increasingly need large quantities of imported green hydrogen. Through collaborations with many hydrogen-exporting countries, we are laying the groundwork for these imports – now including India,” German economy minister Robert Habeck said.

Germany needs large amounts of green hydrogen to decarbonise its industry. According to data cited by the ministry, demand is expected to reach between 95 TWh and 130 TWh, equivalent to over 3 million tonnes, by 2030. It is expected that between 50% and 70% of the demand will be met through exports.

India, at the same time, plans to build a production capacity of 5 million tonnes of hydrogen per year by 2030.

The two countries have been collaborating in the field of energy since 2006.

German energy companies RWE and Uniper have already agreed green ammonia imports from India -- both companies will buy part of the output of AM Green's facility in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The ammonia will be certified to meet European Union (EU) standards for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO).