RMI’s Report on Green Hydrogen Production Pathways for India
On July 10, 2025, the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) published “Green Hydrogen Production Pathways for India: Techno-Economic Considerations for Green Hydrogen Project Development,” authored by Ankur Malyan, Parimal Kogekar, and Jagabanta Ningthoujam. The report analyzes production pathways, emphasizing upstream renewable electricity and electrolyzer costs, with key findings detailed in the following table:
| Key Finding | Details | Exact Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| State policy waivers and national mission support reduce renewable power costs | Waivers can reduce landed power costs by over 90% in some states; Odisha leads with up to 94% reduction due to ₹3/kWh ($0.036/kWh) waiver; Telangana reduces by 50% but with higher up-front charges. | >90%, 94%, ₹3/kWh ($0.036/kWh), 50% |
| Stand-alone on-site projects with capex subsidies reduce production cost | Subsidies of 25%–35% in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha reduce costs by 20%–22%; costs range from $4.4/kg to $4.8/kg; gap with grey hydrogen is $1.6/kg to $3.2/kg. | 20%–22%, $4.4/kg–$4.8/kg, $1.6/kg–$3.2/kg, 25%–35% |
| ISTS/CTU-connected projects offer lower production costs | Costs range from $4.1/kg to $5.0/kg, 20%–30% lower than STU-connected projects; Uttar Pradesh 35% subsidy lowers cost by 10% for battery-supported solar. | $4.1/kg–$5.0/kg, 20%–30%, 35%, 10% |
| Off-site projects need at least 50% cost reduction to compete with grey hydrogen | Transmission charges raise landed power cost 1.5–2.5 times base cost; state reductions vary from 1% (West Bengal) to 61% (Odisha); Odisha can achieve $3/kg, 42% below average. | 50%, 1.5–2.5 times, 1%, 61%, $3/kg, 42% |
The report, guided by experts like Ashok Rajput and supported by RMI’s team, emphasizes R&D investment in electrolyzer technologies, infrastructure development for grid integration, and strengthening domestic supply chains. It also addresses public awareness and safety concerns, with an exchange rate of ₹82 per $ used for conversions. This aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, targeting 5 MMT by 2030, and highlights the role of states like Odisha, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.