Air-locks in govt's green hydrogen policy as demand remains a key issue

Compared to solar, hydrogen is not energy-efficient for running light vehicles

The hydrogen market being created in India is setting up a string of suppliers, with most energy companies lining up impressive plans. But for power minister R K Singh, the difficult task will be to generate the demand for the fuel to create another alternative market to oil, gas and coal.

The green hydrogen policy announced by the power ministry last week makes a compelling case for manufacturers such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and others to expand the level of production (see box). Most energy companies have announced massive targets to ramp up hydrogen production.