Harshal Talele
Deputy General Manager
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
Harshal Talele is a dedicated energy professional with +20 years of experience. He holds an MSc in Energy Policy from the University of Sussex, UK, a degree in Electrical Engineering from India, and postgraduate diplomas in Corporate Law and Renewable Energy Management. He has presented several technical papers on renewable energy at prominent global forums, including AREEE 2025 (Singapore), Indian Energy Week 2025, ADIPEC 2024 (UAE), and the Japan Energy Summit 2024.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Leadership
Financing the Future Energy Supply
Forum 27 | Digital Poster Plaza 5
28
April
12:30
14:30
UTC+3
Objectives/Scope:
India’s pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 has elevated green hydrogen to a strategic priority in its energy transformation. As a clean fuel produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, green hydrogen holds the key to deep decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, fertilizers, and oil refining. Unlike grey hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, green hydrogen offers a zero-emissions alternative, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals. However, its current production cost—$5 to $6 per kg—remains a major barrier, significantly higher than grey hydrogen's $1 to $2 per kg. The primary objective of this study is to assess India's roadmap for reducing the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and catalyzing market growth by leveraging renewable energy, technological advancements, policy incentives, and industrial initiatives, with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) as a case in focus.
Methods, Procedures, Process:
The study analyzes the cost structure of green hydrogen production, primarily focusing on Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX). CAPEX comprises electrolyzer systems and associated infrastructure, estimated between $700 and $1,200 per kW in the Indian context. OPEX is predominantly influenced by electricity costs, accounting for 60–70% of the LCOH. India’s globally competitive renewable tariffs—ranging from $0.02 to $0.03 per kWh—are a pivotal advantage for cost minimization. The analysis also reviews national policies under the ₹19,744 crore ($2.4 billion) National Green Hydrogen Mission, including Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) for electrolyzers, Viability Gap Funding (VGF), and tax exemptions on green energy. Additionally, state-level policies in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra offering concessional power and water support have been evaluated for their role in facilitating large-scale hydrogen projects.
BPCL’s leadership has been studied through its flagship 5 MW green hydrogen plant at Bina Refinery and its strategic R&D investments. The company is also focusing on infrastructure development such as hydrogen pipelines and mobility applications to create a complete hydrogen ecosystem.
Results, Observations, Conclusions:
India’s green hydrogen ecosystem is rapidly evolving through a synergy of industrial leadership, policy reform, and technological innovation. BPCL’s commitment to producing 30 KTPA of green hydrogen by 2030 signals robust industry momentum. Technological advancements, particularly in electrolyzer efficiency, localization of manufacturing, and renewable integration, are poised to reduce LCOH to $1–$2 per kg by 2030. BPCL’s hydrogen mobility initiatives, such as commissioning India’s first hydrogen fueling station in Kerala, and plans for similar projects in Lucknow and Varanasi, demonstrate scalable models for urban transport decarbonization.
India’s ambition to become a green hydrogen exporter to the Middle East, Japan, and Europe—with estimated delivered prices of $1.5–$2 per kg—is both realistic and strategic, positioning it as a global hub. However, challenges remain, including water usage for electrolysis, storage, transport logistics, and high initial investments. With proactive policy implementation, industry collaboration, and continued investment in R&D, India is on a promising trajectory to unlock the full potential of green hydrogen—enabling clean industrial growth, energy security, and global climate leadership.
Keywords: Green hydrogen, cost reduction, renewable energy, electrolyzer technology, sustainable decarbonization
India’s pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 has elevated green hydrogen to a strategic priority in its energy transformation. As a clean fuel produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, green hydrogen holds the key to deep decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, fertilizers, and oil refining. Unlike grey hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, green hydrogen offers a zero-emissions alternative, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals. However, its current production cost—$5 to $6 per kg—remains a major barrier, significantly higher than grey hydrogen's $1 to $2 per kg. The primary objective of this study is to assess India's roadmap for reducing the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and catalyzing market growth by leveraging renewable energy, technological advancements, policy incentives, and industrial initiatives, with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) as a case in focus.
Methods, Procedures, Process:
The study analyzes the cost structure of green hydrogen production, primarily focusing on Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operational Expenditure (OPEX). CAPEX comprises electrolyzer systems and associated infrastructure, estimated between $700 and $1,200 per kW in the Indian context. OPEX is predominantly influenced by electricity costs, accounting for 60–70% of the LCOH. India’s globally competitive renewable tariffs—ranging from $0.02 to $0.03 per kWh—are a pivotal advantage for cost minimization. The analysis also reviews national policies under the ₹19,744 crore ($2.4 billion) National Green Hydrogen Mission, including Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) for electrolyzers, Viability Gap Funding (VGF), and tax exemptions on green energy. Additionally, state-level policies in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra offering concessional power and water support have been evaluated for their role in facilitating large-scale hydrogen projects.
BPCL’s leadership has been studied through its flagship 5 MW green hydrogen plant at Bina Refinery and its strategic R&D investments. The company is also focusing on infrastructure development such as hydrogen pipelines and mobility applications to create a complete hydrogen ecosystem.
Results, Observations, Conclusions:
India’s green hydrogen ecosystem is rapidly evolving through a synergy of industrial leadership, policy reform, and technological innovation. BPCL’s commitment to producing 30 KTPA of green hydrogen by 2030 signals robust industry momentum. Technological advancements, particularly in electrolyzer efficiency, localization of manufacturing, and renewable integration, are poised to reduce LCOH to $1–$2 per kg by 2030. BPCL’s hydrogen mobility initiatives, such as commissioning India’s first hydrogen fueling station in Kerala, and plans for similar projects in Lucknow and Varanasi, demonstrate scalable models for urban transport decarbonization.
India’s ambition to become a green hydrogen exporter to the Middle East, Japan, and Europe—with estimated delivered prices of $1.5–$2 per kg—is both realistic and strategic, positioning it as a global hub. However, challenges remain, including water usage for electrolysis, storage, transport logistics, and high initial investments. With proactive policy implementation, industry collaboration, and continued investment in R&D, India is on a promising trajectory to unlock the full potential of green hydrogen—enabling clean industrial growth, energy security, and global climate leadership.
Keywords: Green hydrogen, cost reduction, renewable energy, electrolyzer technology, sustainable decarbonization
