IIT Kanpur And HBTU Join Hands To Launch Centre Of Excellence For Green Hydrogen In Uttar Pradesh
In a significant development for clean energy research and industrial innovation, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Green Hydrogen. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU) and is part of the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy–2024.
Approval and Framework
The establishment of the Centre has been formally approved by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), following recommendations from the State-Level Selection Committee. The Centre will operate through a collaborative model between IIT Kanpur and HBTU, sharing infrastructure, laboratories, and equipment across both campuses.
Leadership Structure
Prof. Prabodh Bajpai from the Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering at IIT Kanpur will serve as the Nodal In-charge, while Prof. G L Devnani from the Department of Chemical Engineering at HBTU will act as the Co-In-charge. This leadership structure ensures that all facilities and resources developed under the Centre will be jointly utilized by both institutions.
Research Focus Areas
The Centre of Excellence will primarily focus on research and development in green hydrogen, covering key areas such as:
- Production
- Storage
- Transportation
- Safety standards
- Testing
- Demonstrations
- Industrial applications
Special attention will be given to applied research and technology solutions for sectors including refineries, fertilizers, transportation, manufacturing, and energy systems. Through these efforts, the Centre aims to provide practical solutions to industry challenges and facilitate the adoption of green hydrogen technologies at scale.
Support for Startups and Incubation
Beyond research, the Centre of Excellence will serve as a central hub for engineering colleges, universities, and research institutions across Uttar Pradesh. It will grant access to advanced testing, research, and development infrastructure. The Centre is expected to support the incubation of at least 50 startups registered in Uttar Pradesh over the next five years. These startups will focus on innovation, pilot projects, and the commercialization of green hydrogen technologies, contributing to a vibrant startup ecosystem within the state.
Training and Capacity Building
Training and capacity-building will be an essential part of the Centre’s mandate. The initiative plans to organize:
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Technology demonstrations
- Specialized training programs
These programs are designed to strengthen technical skills and nurture a robust green hydrogen talent ecosystem, ensuring that the state has the expertise required to support industrial and technological growth in this emerging sector.
Strategic Importance
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence is a strategic step toward positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for green hydrogen innovation and industrial adoption. By fostering research, startups, and industry collaboration, the initiative is expected to:
- Accelerate the clean energy transition
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Attract investments
- Generate employment opportunities across the state
About IIT Kanpur
IIT Kanpur, established in 1959 and recognized as an Institute of National Importance, has consistently been at the forefront of science and engineering education in India. The institute spans 1,050 acres and houses:
- 19 departments
- 20 centers
- Three interdisciplinary programs
- Three specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines
With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur is well-equipped to lead pioneering research initiatives, including this collaborative Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen.
Conclusion
The launch of this Centre is expected to mark a transformative milestone in India’s clean energy landscape, aligning with national priorities for sustainability, innovation, and technological advancement. By leveraging the strengths of both IIT Kanpur and HBTU, Uttar Pradesh aims to become a national leader in green hydrogen research, industrial application, and skill development.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on available data as of October 2023 and may be subject to change as the Centre progresses.
