India's Hydrogen Revolution: Unveiling the Natural Energy Treasure
New Delhi, Sunday, 19 October 2025.
India’s untapped natural hydrogen reserves promise a low-carbon, cost-effective energy solution, reducing import dependency and boosting global market influence. It’s a game-changer for clean energy progress.
The Hidden Potential of Natural Hydrogen
India’s natural hydrogen reserves, estimated at around 3,475 million tonnes, are catching global attention. Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods, which often rely on fossil fuels, natural hydrogen is formed through mineral-water interactions and emits no carbon when used as fuel, making it a cleaner alternative [1]. The potential for natural hydrogen is especially significant in regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Himalayan ophiolite belts, and several other basins across the country [1].
Strategic Moves and Challenges
Strategic exploration and infrastructure development could transform India’s hydrogen economy. By launching public-private partnerships and creating a national natural hydrogen atlas, India aims to integrate hydrogen exploration with other surveys. However, detection, extraction, and storage technologies remain challenging [1]. Encouraging interdisciplinary research and development collaborations will be crucial to overcoming these hurdles. Natural hydrogen wells have the potential to produce sustainably for decades with minimal emissions and costs [1].
A Global Game-Changer
India’s move towards natural hydrogen aligns with its National Hydrogen Mission and clean energy transition agenda. The country is positioned to become a perpetual, low-carbon hydrogen factory, thus reducing its reliance on energy-intensive hydrogen manufacturing [1]. This transition not only promises to cut India’s carbon footprint significantly but also elevates its geopolitical and economic standing, presenting vast investment opportunities [1].
Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects
Recent partnerships, such as the collaboration between Desco Infratech, KPI Green Hydrogen, and Naveriya Gas, further solidify India’s commitment to hydrogen development. These companies are pioneering hydrogen-natural gas blending projects to build sustainable infrastructure and support India’s clean energy goals [2][3]. Such initiatives could help reduce India’s LNG import reliance and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions [3].