India and Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Partnership for Green Hydrogen Production

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia October 8, 2023 - India and Saudi Arabia have entered into a far-reaching memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the MENA Climate Week in Riyadh, signifying their shared commitment to collaborate on green hydrogen production, electrical interconnections, and secure supply chains. The MoU, signed by India's Union Minister for Power, RK Singh, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, underscores the pivotal role of green hydrogen in the clean energy landscape and a broader cooperation in the energy sector.

Central to this agreement is the production of green hydrogen, a clean energy source that harnesses renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, to electrolyze water, generating hydrogen without any carbon emissions. Green hydrogen aligns seamlessly with global efforts to combat climate change and transition to cleaner energy alternatives.

India and Saudi Arabia are poised to collaboratively develop green hydrogen projects. This collaboration reflects their shared vision of leveraging green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source. Green hydrogen holds the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The MoU places a strong emphasis on the establishment of secure, reliable, and resilient supply chains for materials essential in green hydrogen production. Maintaining robust supply chains is essential for the sustained growth of the green hydrogen sector, ensuring a consistent supply of critical materials needed for electrolysis.

For India, green hydrogen is a linchpin in achieving its ambitious environmental goals. India aims to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 and attain Net Zero emissions by 2070. In line with these objectives, India has launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with an initial investment of $2.3 billion, highlighting its dedication to green hydrogen production.

Green hydrogen has garnered international attention as nations seek greener alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Its versatility extends to energy storage, transportation, and industrial processes, making it a versatile solution for a variety of sectors. Collaborative agreements like the India-Saudi Arabia MoU are instrumental in advancing the global adoption of green hydrogen.

The India-Saudi Arabia MoU is a landmark development in the realm of clean energy and sustainable practices. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in driving clean energy solutions and addressing the urgent challenges of climate change. Together, these nations are working toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.