IIT Madras Study Explores Ways To Boost Green Hydrogen Production In India

Published on December 16, 2025, by the ETV Bharat English Team, this article discusses a significant study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) aimed at enhancing green hydrogen production in India. This research is pivotal as India strives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and aims to generate half of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

Importance of Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is a clean fuel produced from renewable energy sources. It plays a crucial role in reducing emissions from sectors that are typically challenging to decarbonize, including industry, transport, and buildings. By serving as a low-emission and versatile energy carrier, green hydrogen can enhance energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support the country’s sustainable development goals.

Research Collaboration

The study was conducted by researchers from the Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering Department at IIT Madras in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). The findings of this research were published in the peer-reviewed journal Energy & Fuels, which is published by the American Chemical Society. The research paper was co-authored by Peter Waiyaki, Ramprasad Thekkethil, Murali Ananthakumar, and Professor Satyanarayanan Seshadri.

Roadmap for Green Hydrogen Production

According to Professor Satyanarayanan Seshadri, who heads The Energy Consortium at IIT Madras, the research provides a comprehensive roadmap for expanding green hydrogen production in India. He emphasized the importance of understanding the environmental and material implications of different technologies to make informed choices that ensure both efficiency and sustainability.

Technology Selection and Environmental Outcomes

The study highlights the critical relationship between technology selection and environmental outcomes, which is essential for policymakers and industry stakeholders as India scales up its hydrogen sector. Peter Waiyaki, a research scholar at IIT Madras, noted that the research focuses on a specific type of electrolyser known as the Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) system. These PEM electrolysers are more efficient than traditional alkaline systems and are particularly well-suited for producing large quantities of hydrogen, aligning with India’s clean energy production goals.

India’s Green Hydrogen Mission

Launched in January 2023, India’s Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. The mission also seeks to increase the domestic production of electrolysers—machines that utilize electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This initiative is crucial for establishing a robust green hydrogen infrastructure in India.

Key Findings of the Study

The IIT Madras study presents several key findings regarding the environmental impacts of different configurations of PEM electrolysers:

Coating bipolar plates with electrocatalysts can enhance the lifetime and operational efficiency of the electrolyser.
Although the manufacturing process of these coatings may increase emissions, the hydrogen produced is significantly cleaner over the system’s operational lifetime.
Careful technology selection is essential for sustainable scaling of green hydrogen production.

Standardizing Green Hydrogen Classification

The study underscores the necessity of standardizing green hydrogen classification. Variations in technology can lead to hydrogen with differing emission footprints, even when all hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources. To address this, the researchers propose a tiered classification system—“platinum,” “gold,” “silver,” and “bronze”—that corresponds to the environmental quality of hydrogen. This classification system aims to provide transparency for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders.

Securing Critical Raw Materials

The study also offers guidance on securing critical raw materials required for PEM electrolysers. This is vital for mitigating supply risks and ensuring that India’s green hydrogen infrastructure can grow reliably. The research lays the groundwork for future studies, including improved life cycle data, more detailed assessments of production pathways, and robust analyses of material availability.

Conclusion

The IIT Madras study represents a significant step towards enhancing green hydrogen production in India. By addressing the technological, environmental, and material aspects of hydrogen production, this research provides a comprehensive framework to support India’s ambitious climate and energy targets.

Note: This article reflects the findings of the IIT Madras study and its implications for green hydrogen production in India, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in energy production.

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