iCreate to Identify and Incubate Technology Innovations. Gujarat launched the much-anticipated Hydrogen Valley Project in the state with the first stakeholder consultation meeting on April 21, 2023, in Ahmedabad, with the goal of developing a localised hydrogen value chain that serves more than one end sector or application in mobility, industry, and energy. iCreate organised the meeting in partnership with the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Mr. Sunil Parekh, a member of the FICCI National Executive Council, was one of the event’s co-chairs.
DST’s objective is to help India’s progress towards green hydrogen and to transform India into an energy-independent nation by 2047, with green hydrogen playing an active role as an alternative fuel to petroleum and fossil-based industries. The project will encourage research into new hydrogen technologies while also increasing capacity and capabilities for its production, delivery, and use cases in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Scientist ‘E’/Director at DST-GoI’s Climate Change & Clean Energy (C3E) Division, discussed the recommendations for establishing Hydrogen Valley Innovation clusters. Padmashri Dr. G. D Yadav, Emeritus Professor of Eminence and former Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology delivered the keynote lecture on the “Role of Research and Innovation in Accelerating the Hydrogen Economy.” Mr. Sandip J Sagale, IAS, Industries Commissioner of the Government of Gujarat, also shared insights on the hydrogen ecosystem’s enormous potential in not only addressing energy challenges but also creating abundant opportunities for stakeholders, particularly in the MSME sector, and generating new job opportunities in the near future.
Avinash Punekar, CEO of iCreate, stated on the occasion, “With the help of innovation and technology, India has always been at the forefront of positive climate action globally.” iCreate is honored to lead the Gujarat Hydrogen Valley Consortium, which will be critical in reaching India’s objective to reduce the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030. iCreate is convinced that working together with a common synergy would result in the development of a one-of-a-kind and superbly effective Hydrogen Valley Project model to be applied across India.”
Companies that attended the event included Reliance Industries Limited, Welspun Enterprises Limited, Essar, Adani Group, Hypower Systems, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India; MG Motor India; state PSUs such as Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited, Gujarat Energy Development Agency; city gas distribution company Charotar Gas Sahakari Mandali Limited; and R&D institutions such as CSIR – Central
The Gujarat Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster will contribute to India’s efforts to establish clean Hydrogen Valleys by 2030. Representatives from stakeholders such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST) – Govt. of India, Govt. of Gujarat, industry partners, financial institutions, academia, and innovators explored aspects of policy and framework, as well as unique partnerships to further R&D in state-of-the-art hydrogen technologies, at its first meeting, facilitated by iCreate, a leading innovation-based start-up incubator.
“We are excited to begin stakeholder consultations on DST’s Hydrogen Valley Innovation cluster in Gujarat, with a focus on developing a localised hydrogen value chain and promoting research on novel hydrogen technologies,” said Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Scientist ‘E’/Director at Climate Change & Clean Energy (C3E) Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is happy to collaborate with many stakeholders to develop new collaborations and policy frameworks for cutting-edge hydrogen technologies as part of India’s commitment to decreasing emissions. We believe that with breakthrough technologies and widespread adoption, we can attain cost-competitiveness and a successful model for Hydrogen Valley Innovation clusters throughout India.”
There is an urgent need to meet rising energy demands while also achieving decarbonization across sectors, guaranteeing energy security, and promoting long-term growth. Hydrogen’s adaptability has enormous potential to power India’s future growth and demands while also significantly contributing to global climate action goals. Thus, it is in our common interest, as well as the interests of future generations, that we share our expertise to ensure the success of India’s Hydrogen Valleys.
Regular and active consultation meetings have been organised to review and quickly harness opportunities while using common strengths in order to maximise collaboration from all stakeholders. The Department of Science and Technology has asked organisations and industry participants to form alliances aimed at developing Hydrogen Valley Innovation clusters across India. The meeting’s outcome would be the submission of an Expression of Interest to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the establishment of the Gujarat Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (HVIC).
“We are thrilled to kick-start the Hydrogen Valley Project in Gujarat to develop a localised hydrogen value chain with applications in mobility, industry, and energy,” stated Sandip J. Sagale, IAS, Industries Commissioner, Government of Gujarat. We hope to develop a cost-effective and timely hydrogen ecosystem through regular stakeholder engagements and strategic relationships. We are optimistic in developing a viable model for Hydrogen Valley projects in Gujarat, which will help us meet our promise to cut emissions and stimulate innovation for a more sustainable future.”
“Our focus is on identifying synergies and capabilities in emerging technologies to make India’s clean hydrogen mission a model that can be replicated across,” stated Dr. Sapna Poti, Director – Strategic Alliances, Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Gujarat’s initiatives in this regard have enormous potential because to the availability of resources and skill, as well as the goal to bring together all stakeholders for one of India’s greatest Hydrogen Valley Projects. Our sole aim as we continue to investigate use cases and solutions in this domain is to develop a sustainable and integrated energy ecosystem for India.”