The Global Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2024), held from 16th to 18th September in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, featured a significant CEO Roundtable focused on ‘Accelerating Green Hydrogen Production through Green Jobs in Gujarat’. Organized by the Government of Gujarat, in partnership with GH2 India, this high-level discussion took place on 16th September and gathered industry leaders, government officials, and startups to discuss the future of green hydrogen in the state.
The session was inaugurated with opening remarks by Shri J S Haider, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of Energy and Petrochemicals Department, who emphasized Gujarat’s commitment to green hydrogen. Arun Mahesh Babu M.S., IAS, further elaborated on Gujarat’s strategic initiatives and the immense potential of the state in leading India’s green hydrogen mission.
Moderated by Nishaanth Balashanmugam, Director of GH2 India, the roundtable addressed crucial topics such as land availability, infrastructure needs, and the role of green hydrogen in decarbonizing industrial sectors. Ranjit from Ocior highlighted the need for improved Inter-State Transmission Systems (ISTS) and land banking to meet renewable energy demands, while Welspun pointed out Kutchh’s immense solar potential. Industry representatives also stressed the importance of balancing renewable energy and electrolyzer capacities through advanced technologies and AI integration.
The discussion further explored challenges in creating domestic and export demand, with participants suggesting that Gujarat could take the lead in implementing a Green Hydrogen Obligation to spur market development. Tobias from IGEF highlighted new maritime fuel legislation and the need for bunkering green hydrogen, which would further bolster Gujarat’s infrastructure for green hydrogen exports.
Startups like Newtrace and Ossus Biorenewables brought fresh perspectives on leveraging biomass and wastewater for hydrogen production. Prasanta from Newtrace stressed the importance of developing electrolyzer components domestically, while Kavin from ProClime recommended leveraging carbon markets to make green hydrogen more competitive.
In his closing remarks, Shri J S Haider assured participants that the government would actively consider the inputs shared and reaffirmed Gujarat’s dedication to advancing the green hydrogen agenda, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
This event reaffirmed Gujarat’s ambition to be a global hub for green hydrogen, supported by strong government backing and dynamic industry participation. GH2 India will continue to support these efforts, ensuring that Gujarat becomes a model for green hydrogen development across India.
