Introduction

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has embarked Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme within the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

SIGHT Programme: An Overview

Mission Alignment: SIGHT is an integral component of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, strategically designed to foster domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production.
Financial Commitment: A substantial investment of Rs 17,490 crore has been allocated to SIGHT until 2029-30.
Dual Incentive Mechanisms: SIGHT introduces two distinct financial incentive mechanisms:

1. Incentive for Electrolyser Manufacturing: To boost the production of essential electrolysis equipment.
2. Incentive for Green Hydrogen Production: Encouraging the generation of clean and sustainable green hydrogen.

Adaptive Evolution: The incentive schemes and programs will evolve in response to market dynamics and technological advancements, ensuring the Mission’s adaptability.
Execution Authority: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is entrusted with executing the scheme, driving its effective implementation.

Strategic Implementation: Launched by the MNRE, the mission commits an outlay of ₹ 19,744 crore from FY 2023–24 to FY 2029–30.
Global Hub for Green Hydrogen: The overarching aim is to position India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Vision for 2030:

1. Production Capacity: India’s green hydrogen production capacity is projected to reach 5 million metric tons (MMT) per annum, diminishing fossil fuel imports and saving ₹1 lakh crore by 2030.
2. Economic Impact: The mission anticipates attracting over ₹8 lakh crore in investments and generating employment for more than 6 lakh people.
3. Carbon Emission Reduction: A targeted production and utilization of green hydrogen is expected to avert nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions.

Pilot Projects: The Mission encompasses support for pilot initiatives in low-carbon steel, mobility, shipping, and ports.
Flexible Allocations: The Mission allocates resources for various sub-components like SIGHT, pilot projects, research and development (R&D), enabling the funding of selected projects.
State-Wide Impact: While the Mission has no state-wise allocation, its broad scope promises nation-wide benefits.

Eco-Friendly Production: Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower.
A Sustainable Fuel: This process yields a clean, emission-free fuel with immense potential to supplant fossil fuels and mitigate carbon emissions.