Navigating the Evolution of Hydrogen Technology in India
Key Ideas
  • India's PLI scheme for electrolysers aimed to boost domestic manufacturing; however, global innovations, particularly from China, are challenging the status quo.
  • China's advancements in hydrogen technology, focusing on system integration and software intelligence, are reshaping the industry paradigm rapidly.
  • Indian electrolyser manufacturers are urged to embrace technology readiness, margin sustainability, and use-case relevance to stay competitive in the evolving market.
  • The future of India's hydrogen manufacturing sector depends on prioritizing value over volume, by focusing on intelligent systems and real-world applications.
The article highlights the evolving landscape of hydrogen technology in India, emphasizing the need for the country to adapt to global shifts in the sector. While India's PLI scheme for electrolysers aimed to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence, the rapid pace of innovation from China poses a significant challenge, urging a recalibration of strategies. The article discusses China's groundbreaking advancements in hydrogen technology, particularly in system integration and software intelligence. The integration of power electronics, load flexibility, and high responsiveness in hydrogen production systems is changing the industry's traditional hardware-centric approach. Indian electrolyser manufacturers are facing obstacles in system integration, performance benchmarks, and global competitiveness. The narrative draws parallels with the mobile phone industry's transformation and warns of the risks associated with falling behind in technological advancements. To navigate the changing landscape, the article suggests three critical course corrections for India's hydrogen manufacturing sector. These include prioritizing technology readiness, ensuring margin sustainability, and focusing on use-case relevance to drive competitiveness and innovation. Ultimately, the article advocates for a shift in mindset within India's hydrogen industry, moving away from a focus on volume to prioritizing value, intelligent systems, and real-world applications. By embracing these changes, India can position itself as a leader in the global hydrogen economy of the future.
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