New Delhi witnessed a landmark collaboration between India and the United Kingdom as they hosted a high-level conference aimed at fortifying safety standards and regulatory frameworks for green hydrogen. Organized under the aegis of India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the event underscored the growing importance of this clean energy source in the nation’s push towards sustainability.
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable power, stands at the forefront of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. The summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders including government officials, industry leaders, academics, standards bodies, testing labs, research organizations, and regulatory agencies from both nations. Discussions delved deep into the entire value chain—from production and storage to transportation and end-use—focusing on robust safety protocols and international best practices.
Hosted by the National Centre for Hydrogen Safety, an MNRE initiative, the conference received support from the British High Commission and the World Resources Institute. The opening session featured insights from Dr. Mohammad Rehan, Director General of the National Institute of Solar Energy, setting the tone for collaborative innovation.
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Dr. Parvinder Maini, emphasized the critical need for stringent safety frameworks, clear standards, and global partnerships to scale green hydrogen technologies effectively. Representatives from key Indian regulators like the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) shared expertise on compliance, risk assessment, and hazard management in hydrogen systems.
The Bureau of Indian Standards highlighted ongoing efforts to align national hydrogen standards with global benchmarks. Technical sessions featured presentations from industry experts, researchers, and academics on safe design and operations of production plants, storage solutions, transportation logistics, and safety measures for final applications.
Experts also explored advanced risk assessment methodologies, lessons from past incidents, and emerging technologies such as sophisticated sensors and AI-driven monitoring systems. These discussions aim to enhance hydrogen safety, paving the way for widespread adoption and positioning India as a global leader in clean energy transitions.
As both countries commit to net-zero goals, this summit marks a pivotal step in harmonizing regulations and fostering innovation, ensuring green hydrogen’s safe integration into energy infrastructures worldwide.