India, Jan 30 : India plans to begin exporting green ammonia as early as 2028, as part of its broader push to establish itself as a global hub for clean hydrogen and related fuels, Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said on Thursday.
Speaking on the sidelines of India Energy Week, Sarangi said discussions are underway with potential buyers in Europe and Japan, including the Netherlands, where interest in securing long-term supply arrangements is growing. Green ammonia is seen as a key fuel for decarbonising industries such as shipping, steel and chemicals.
Export push amid weak domestic demand
India’s focus on overseas markets comes after major domestic consumers, including oil refineries and fertiliser manufacturers, showed reluctance to shift to green hydrogen due to higher costs. While the export strategy is expected to support the country’s clean energy ambitions, the government is also working to revive domestic demand.
Sarangi said the ministry is engaging with oil refineries to create annual demand for around 200,000 tonnes of green hydrogen. Talks are also underway with the ministry of ports and shipping to develop a market for roughly 500,000 tonnes of green methanol, which can help reduce emissions in maritime transport and the chemicals sector.
Hydrogen targets face delays
India is likely to miss its target of producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, Sarangi said previously, citing slower-than-expected implementation of clean energy mandates globally. The government now expects to reach that level by 2032.
Beyond hydrogen, the renewable energy ministry is prioritising the safe integration of expanding solar and wind capacity into the power grid, while accelerating domestic manufacturing of clean energy components, including solar panels, wind equipment and batteries.
Sarangi expressed confidence that falling battery storage costs, combined with renewable power, would gradually reduce the dominance of coal in India’s electricity mix, weakening the argument for coal as a baseload energy source.