Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually inaugurated India’s first Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless Steel Sector located at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar on Monday.

Speaking at the inauguration, the minister underscored India’s commitment to a green and sustainable future, emphasising the need for responsible economic progress in the post-COVID era.

“As the world strives to recover from the pandemic’s aftermath, India is steadfast in its resolve to contribute to global environmental goals”, he said.

It will be the world’s first off-grid Green Hydrogen plant for the stainless steel industry and the world’s first Green Hydrogen plant with rooftop & floating solar, the Ministry of Steel said in a statement.

This project is also a state-of-the-art green hydrogen facility with a target to reduce carbon emissions considerably by around 2,700 Metric Tonnes per annum and 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over next two decades.

The minister mentioned that India’s rich history of environmentalism, deeply embedded in traditions and practices, is now being revitalized through modern strategies.

He said the country was making significant strides in tackling climate change with initiatives like the Panchamrit, Mission LiFE, showcasing a holistic approach to development that balances both nature and human prosperity.

“As a government we are encouraging companies, citizens, and state governments to focus on green growth and green jobs to achieve the target of net zero carbon emission by 2070”, he added.

Highlighting India’s progress in the steel sector, evolving from a net importer to a net exporter and aiming to become the world’s largest producer of crude steel, he talked about the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched last year with an outlay of around Rs 20,000 crore with an aim to make India a Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

The Mission is also supporting pilot projects in the steel sector with a budget of around Rs 500 crore until FY 2029-30.

While congratulating Hygenco and Jindal Stainless, for the commissioning of India’s first long-term off-take green hydrogen plant, the Union Minister mentioned that this innovative green hydrogen project seamlessly aligns with the government’s vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

“The project not only aligns with the government’s vision but also creates valuable employment opportunities, showcasing the potential of responsible industrial practices,” he added.

Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Nagendra Nath Sinha, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless Limited, Abhyuday Jindal, Founder, Hygenco Amit Bansal, and other officials of the Ministry of Steel were present at the inauguration.