A stakeholder workshop and matchmaking session between the hydrogen innovation mission (Netherlands) and the hydrogen valley innovation clusters (India) discussed ways in which innovation, joint research, and industry-academia-government cooperation as the cornerstone of Indo-Dutch relations can help in tackling climate change and in driving sustainable growth.
The participants which included a distinguished delegation from the Netherlands deliberated on methods of deepening bilateral collaboration in green hydrogen, clean energy, and cutting-edge technology, at the workshop organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India Ms Marisa Gerards lauded India’s strong political will and leadership in the energy transition. Her Excellency noted that green hydrogen is not only a technology but a pillar of the Netherlands’ national technology strategy. Ambassador Marisa also emphasized people-to-people connections, fellowship programs, and joint pilots as crucial for nurturing young talent and deepening long-term collaboration.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Anita Gupta, Head Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, DST highlighted India’s ambitious green hydrogen mission, driven by a whole-of-government and ecosystem approach. “With targets set for 2030 and beyond, India is focusing on research, development and innovation, industry–academia partnerships, and the creation of hydrogen innovation clusters. The goal is to reduce hydrogen costs, showcase new technologies, and pave the way for large-scale hydrogen hubs that will contribute to India’s energy security by 2047, she added.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Praveen Kumar S, Head International Cooperation, DST emphasized the urgency of climate change as a global challenge and underscored the need to move “from dialogue to concrete action.” He highlighted the potential of hydrogen as an infinite solution for sustainable energy, pointing out that shared challenges demand shared responses. Co-development of technologies, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships will be key to accelerating innovation and commercialization, he stressed.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building strong, future-ready partnerships in green hydrogen, semiconductors, and other areas of science, technology, and innovation.
The workshop underscored the shared commitment of both nations to accelerate the global energy transition through innovation and sustainable solutions.
The day-long event was graced by Shri Abhay Bakre, Mission Director of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Mr. Jan Reint Smit, Innovation Counsellor at the Netherlands Embassy in India; Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Program Officer for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell at DST; and senior representatives of lead industries of both the countries, CEOs of Hydrogen Valleys in India, GH2 Startups and ecosystem partners.
