BHEL Collaborates with thyssenkrupp nucera India: Boosting India's Green Hydrogen Mission

Why in News?

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with thyssenkrupp nucera India, the Indian arm of Germany-based electrolyser technology company thyssenkrupp nucera, to supply and gradually manufacture alkaline electrolyser systems in India.
• The collaboration aims to support the National Green Hydrogen Mission by promoting domestic manufacturing, technology transfer, and indigenous production under the Make in India initiative.

About Green Hydrogen

• Green Hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, using electricity generated entirely from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
• Since no fossil fuels are used during production, Green Hydrogen is considered a clean fuel with nearly zero carbon emissions

Types of Hydrogen

Prelims Facts

• Grey Hydrogen → Produced from Natural Gas → High emissions
• Blue Hydrogen → Natural Gas + Carbon Capture → Lower emissions
• Green Hydrogen → Renewable Energy + Electrolysis → Almost zero emission

What is an Electrolyser?

An electrolyser is a machine that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When renewable electricity is used, the hydrogen produced is known as Green Hydrogen.

Major Types of Electrolysers

• Alkaline Electrolyser (Most mature and cost-effective technology)
• Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser
• Solid Oxide Electrolyser

Important: The BHEL–thyssenkrupp nucera collaboration focuses on Alkaline Electrolysers, which are currently the preferred technology for large-scale green hydrogen production.

About the National Green Hydrogen Mission

Objectives

• Produce 5 MMT of Green Hydrogen by 2030
• Develop India into a global Green Hydrogen hub
• Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels
• Promote domestic manufacturing
• Create employment opportunities
• Support India's Net Zero target by 2070

About the BHEL–thyssenkrupp nucera Collaboration

Under the Strategic Collaboration Agreement:

• BHEL will supply alkaline electrolyser systems for Green Hydrogen projects.
• Advanced electrolyser technology will be transferred to India.
• Manufacturing will gradually shift towards indigenous production.
• The collaboration supports the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
• It aims to reduce India's dependence on imported electrolysers.

Why is Germany an Important Partner?

Germany is among the global leaders in hydrogen technologies and electrolyser manufacturing.

The partnership combines India's manufacturing strengths with Germany's technological expertise

Challenges in Green Hydrogen Development

• High production cost
• Expensive electrolyser technology
• Dependence on imported components
• Storage and transportation challenges
• High water requirement
• Lack of hydrogen infrastructure
• Safety concerns
• Need for skilled manpower
• Large renewable energy requirement

Government Initiatives

• National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Make in India
• Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
• National Solar Mission
• Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO)
• Green Open Access Rules

Importance for India

• Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• Supports clean energy transition and emission reduction.
• Develops a domestic hydrogen manufacturing ecosystem.
• Creates jobs in renewable energy, manufacturing, and engineering sectors.
• Positions India as a future exporter of Green Hydrogen and electrolyser technology
  

Important Facts for UPSC Prelims

• National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in 2023.
• Mission outlay: ₹19,744 crore.
• Target: 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030.
• Green Hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using renewable energy.
• The BHEL collaboration focuses on Alkaline Electrolyser technology.
• Germany is among the world's leading countries in hydrogen technology.

Way Forward

India should strengthen domestic R&D, promote indigenous manufacturing of electrolysers, expand renewable energy capacity, improve hydrogen storage and transport infrastructure, and encourage private sector participation. Technology partnerships should gradually evolve into domestic innovation, making India a global leader in the hydrogen economy

Conclusion

The collaboration between BHEL and thyssenkrupp nucera India is a significant step toward building India's green hydrogen ecosystem. By combining advanced technology with domestic manufacturing, the partnership supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission, enhances energy security, reduces import dependence, and strengthens India's position in the global clean-energy transition