How India Can Become a Global Leader in Hydrogen & Biogas Exports

Green Molecules, Global Markets: India’s Export Opportunity in Hydrogen & Biogas

As the world races toward decarbonization, India stands at a strategic crossroads—not just to achieve energy independence, but to emerge as a global clean energy exporter. Two fuels are set to define this shift: green hydrogen and biogas.

With its vast renewable resources, agricultural base, and government support under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and SATAT initiative, India can transform from a fossil-fuel importer to a clean energy exporter—supplying countries like Japan, South Korea, and the EU with low-carbon fuels.

Why Hydrogen & Biogas Are Export Goldmines

1. Green Hydrogen:
   Produced using electrolysis powered by solar and wind, green hydrogen is a clean substitute for fossil fuels in transport, industry, and energy storage.
   
2. Biogas & Bio-CNG:
   Generated from organic waste (agriculture, municipal, and industrial), biogas provides a circular energy solution that captures emissions and returns nutrients to the soil.
   

Global demand is booming. Countries with limited renewable capacity or high energy needs are seeking import partners. India has the resources, scale, and cost advantage to meet that demand.

Key Advantages India Holds

• Low-cost Renewable Energy: Among the world’s lowest solar and wind tariffs.
  
• Agricultural & Waste Feedstock Abundance: India generates over 500 million tonnes of crop residue and animal waste annually.
  
• Strategic Geography: Coastal access for exports to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
  
• Policy Backing: Missions like NGHM, SATAT, and Make in India encourage local manufacturing and scale.
  

Strategic Export Corridors

1. Gujarat & Maharashtra (Hydrogen & Biogas)
   Ports like Mundra, Hazira, and Mumbai can anchor export terminals, while industrial clusters offer demand aggregation and scale.
   
2. Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu (Hydrogen)
   Strong wind-solar mix and deep-sea ports make them ideal for large-scale hydrogen production and shipping.
   
3. Punjab, Haryana & UP (Biogas)
   Rich in agricultural waste, these regions can become bio-CNG and biogas hubs for both domestic and international markets.
   

Transforming India’s Economy Through Clean Exports

1. Revenue Generation & Forex Savings
   Exporting green fuels can reduce oil imports and create a $10–20 billion annual export market by 2030.
   
2. Job Creation Across the Value Chain
   From rural biogas workers to high-skill hydrogen engineers, this sector can generate thousands of new green jobs.
   
3. Cleaner Cities & Countryside
   Reducing crop burning, organic waste, and diesel reliance through biogas improves air quality and public health.
   
4. Technology & Manufacturing Growth
   Electrolyzer, digesters, compressors, and storage tank production can boost India’s industrial base.
   

Current Projects with Export Potential

• ACME Green Hydrogen Project (Oman & Tamil Nadu): MoU to export green hydrogen and ammonia.
  
• IOCL Biogas Plants: Leveraging compressed biogas (CBG) under SATAT for transport and export-ready systems.
  
• Reliance New Energy Project: Targeting large-scale green hydrogen production for both domestic and global markets.
  
• Adani Group’s Hydrogen Projects: Targeting global hydrogen trade routes via western ports.
  

Lessons from Global Export Leaders

India can learn from and partner with:

• Australia: Exporting hydrogen to Japan and South Korea using ammonia carriers.
  
• Saudi Arabia (NEOM): Building hydrogen megaprojects for European markets.
  
• Germany & Netherlands: Creating hydrogen import terminals with long-term contracts.
  

These countries succeed through early infrastructure investments, long-term bilateral deals, and public-private innovation.

India’s Roadmap to Global Leadership

1. Build Export-Grade Infrastructure
   Hydrogen pipelines, liquefaction plants, ammonia terminals, and biogas upgrading units near ports.
   
2. Form International Supply Agreements
   MoUs and long-term purchase contracts with countries seeking green fuel imports.
   
3. Enable Private Sector Innovation
   Through incentives for green hydrogen/ammonia and CBG production, storage, and transport.
   
4. Establish Green Energy Export SEZs
   Special economic zones dedicated to renewable fuel production and shipment.
   
5. Integrate Circular Economy
   Link urban waste management and rural biomass with biogas and bio-CNG units for domestic and export uses.
   

Opportunities & Challenges

Opportunities:

• Access to $100B+ global hydrogen market by 2040
  
• Rural empowerment via biogas clusters
  
• First-mover advantage in green fuel diplomacy
  

Challenges:

• Infrastructure gaps in transport, port readiness
  
• High upfront capital and technology cost
  
• Need for global certification and traceability standards
  

India’s Clean Energy Export Future Starts Now

Hydrogen and biogas are more than fuels—they’re economic multipliers. By tapping into its renewable abundance and biomass wealth, India can lead the global shift to low-carbon energy. Strategic planning, export-ready infrastructure, and international collaboration will unlock India’s rise as a clean fuel superpower.

References:

• mnre.gov.in/green-hydrogen
  
• indianbiogasassociation.org
  
• iea.org/reports/global-hydrogen-review