In a significant move towards sustainable energy, India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to support each other's hydrogen missions. This collaboration was highlighted by Mukesh Aghi, president of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), during the celebration of Hydrogen Day on October 9, 2024. Aghi emphasized the importance of joint efforts in clean energy initiatives as both nations aim to lead in hydrogen technology [02582380].
The US-India Hydrogen Task Force, launched in June 2021, has seen participation from over 50 industry players, showcasing a robust commitment to advancing hydrogen energy solutions. Ajay Yadav from India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) pointed out the upcoming International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2024) in New Delhi, which aims to further discussions on hydrogen's role in the clean energy transition [02582380].
This initiative aligns with the broader Indo-US collaboration on climate change, which includes a $1 billion commitment to accelerate clean energy technologies and expand manufacturing in sectors such as solar and wind. The partnership is expected to create numerous green jobs and enhance economic ties between the two nations [20a27d05][cc7d14f2].
Moreover, the recent 2nd International Green Hydrogen Conference, held last month, attracted 8,500 attendees, indicating a growing interest in hydrogen as a viable energy source. Future goals set by both countries include reducing hydrogen production costs to USD 1 per kilogram within the next decade, a target that reflects their ambitious vision for a sustainable energy future [02582380].
The collaboration on hydrogen energy is part of a larger framework that includes the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership and the iCET initiative, which focuses on high-tech industries and defense cooperation. This multifaceted approach underscores the importance of Indo-US relations in addressing global energy challenges [a48def4e].
Lalit Bhasin, a key participant at the recent summit, expressed optimism about the enduring strength of these ties, regardless of the political landscape in the US [20a27d05].