In a significant move to advance clean energy research and industrial innovation, the Uttar Pradesh government has given its official nod for the creation of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to Green Hydrogen. This landmark decision, made under the ambitious Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy–2024, positions the state as a future leader in the renewable energy sector.
A Collaborative Powerhouse for Green Hydrogen
The Centre will be established through a unique joint collaborative model involving two of Kanpur's premier institutions: the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU). The approval was granted by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) following a recommendation from the State-Level Selection Committee.
The CoE will operate from the campuses of both institutes, leveraging shared infrastructure, state-of-the-art laboratories, and advanced equipment. Professor Prabodh Bajpai from the Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering at IIT Kanpur has been appointed as the Nodal in-charge. Professor G L Devnani from the Department of Chemical Engineering at HBTU will serve as the Co-In-charge. All facilities and research projects under the Centre will be jointly managed and utilized by teams from both universities.
Focus on Applied Research and Statewide Impact
The core mission of the Centre of Excellence will be to prioritize research and development across the entire green hydrogen value chain. Key focus areas include:
- Green hydrogen production and storage technologies.
- Safe transportation methods and establishing safety standards.
- Testing, demonstration, and promoting industrial use.
Special emphasis will be placed on applied research to develop technological solutions for major industries such as refineries, fertilisers, transportation, manufacturing, and energy systems.
Beyond pure research, the Centre is designed to act as a common facility hub for engineering colleges, universities, and research institutions across Uttar Pradesh. This will provide widespread access to advanced testing and R&D infrastructure in the green hydrogen domain.
Driving Entrepreneurship and Building Capacity
A major expected outcome of this initiative is the incubation of a minimum of 50 startups registered in Uttar Pradesh over the next five years. Furthermore, the CoE will actively organise training programmes, workshops, seminars, and technology demonstrations. These capacity-building initiatives are aimed at students, researchers, industry professionals, and government stakeholders to create a skilled workforce ready for the green energy transition.
The establishment of this Centre of Excellence marks a strategic step towards positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for green hydrogen innovation and industrial adoption. By fostering cutting-edge research, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures, and strengthening industry-academia collaboration, the initiative is poised to accelerate the clean energy transition. It is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, attract investments, and generate substantial employment opportunities across the state.
