Avaada Group Signs MoU with GRIDCO and IIT-Bhubaneswar to Establish Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence in Odisha
On December 8, 2025, Avaada Group announced a significant collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GRIDCO (Grid Corporation of Odisha) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar. This partnership aims to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to Green Hydrogen research and innovation in the state of Odisha.
Objectives of the Centre of Excellence
The proposed Centre of Excellence will focus on several key areas within the Green Hydrogen value chain:
- Energy storage solutions
- Industrial applications of hydrogen
- Mobility applications utilizing hydrogen
- Techno-economic feasibility studies of emerging hydrogen technologies
This initiative is in alignment with the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy 2022 and supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Roles and Responsibilities
Under the terms of the agreement:
- Avaada Group: The company will establish an extension facility of the CoE at its production site in Odisha. This facility will be equipped with specialized testing infrastructure and research teams. Avaada will also support key research and development (R&D) programs conducted through the CoE.
- GRIDCO: Acting as the implementing agency, GRIDCO will coordinate with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Government of Odisha to ensure proper funding and project execution.
- IIT-Bhubaneswar: The institute will serve as the host academic institution, providing land, research capabilities, and institutional support for the Centre of Excellence.
Oversight of the project will be managed by the Principal Secretary of Odisha’s Energy Department, ensuring that the initiative aligns with state and national energy goals.
Significance of the Initiative
Avaada Group Chairman Vineet Mittal expressed the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are excited to partner with GRIDCO and IIT-Bhubaneswar for setting up the Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen in Odisha. This initiative marks an important milestone in India’s clean energy journey and will help accelerate the transition toward a net-zero future.”
The establishment of this Centre of Excellence is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s clean hydrogen research ecosystem, facilitating innovations that could lead to sustainable energy solutions.
Government Support for Green Hydrogen
The Indian government has recognized the potential of Green Hydrogen as a key component in the country’s energy transition. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allocated ₹400 crore under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to support research and innovation in the Green Hydrogen sector. This funding will aid in the establishment of Centres of Excellence across India, focusing on technology development in:
- Production of Green Hydrogen
- Transportation and storage solutions
- Applications of hydrogen in various sectors
Future Prospects
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Odisha is expected to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government bodies, driving advancements in hydrogen technologies. This initiative could lead to:
- Enhanced research capabilities in Green Hydrogen technologies
- Development of innovative solutions for energy storage and mobility
- Increased job opportunities in the renewable energy sector
- Strengthened position of India in the global hydrogen economy
Moreover, the CoE will likely serve as a hub for training and skill development, preparing the workforce for the emerging demands in the Green Hydrogen sector.
Conclusion
The partnership between Avaada Group, GRIDCO, and IIT-Bhubaneswar signifies a pivotal step towards establishing a robust framework for Green Hydrogen research and innovation in India. By focusing on the entire value chain of Green Hydrogen, this initiative promises to contribute significantly to the nation’s clean energy goals and the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates as of December 2025 and may be subject to change as the project progresses.
