Green hydrogen directly supports four of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and indirectly contributes to others, serving as a catalyst for a clean energy economy. Here’s how it directly aligns with four SDGs:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): Green hydrogen promotes economic growth by creating jobs and addressing energy poverty. The National Green Hydrogen Mission’s goal is to steadily advance towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel based installed capacity by 2030 and create over 6 lakh jobs in India. Green hydrogen development supports employment, particularly in regions with abundant renewable resources, fostering financial stability. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating energy price volatility, it enhances economic resilience. Moreover, it improves energy access in underserved areas, supporting economic activities and improving livelihoods. A specific case of poverty alleviation through green hydrogen in India could be seen in the development of five green hydrogen hubs in coastal states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. These hubs are being planned near important ports and end-use industries to create jobs and stimulate local economies.
  
  
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Green hydrogen aligns with SDG 7 by enabling off-grid and decentralized energy solutions, ensuring universal clean energy access. It stabilizes energy supply by addressing fluctuations in solar and wind power. Since solar panels generate electricity only in sunlight and wind turbines rely on wind, their output varies. Green hydrogen serves as a storage solution, converting surplus renewable energy into hydrogen, which can be stored and used when needed, ensuring reliability and consistency. By decarbonizing industries where electrification is impractical, such as steel manufacturing and long-haul transport, green hydrogen advances clean energy adoption and global energy security.
  
  
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): Green hydrogen fosters sustainable industrialization, innovation and resilient infrastructure. It facilitates the transition from fossil fuels in sectors like steel and chemicals, driving advancements in electrolysis, fuel cells and energy storage. Investments in hydrogen infrastructure strengthen energy frameworks, while new business models create employment, particularly in developing economies, accelerating decarbonization and industrial growth. India has allocated significant funds for the development of green hydrogen infrastructure under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The initial outlay for the Mission is Rs.19,744 crore, including an outlay of ₹ 17,490 crore for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme, ₹ 1,466 crore for pilot projects, ₹ 400 crore for R&D and ₹ 388 crore towards other Mission components
  
  
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Temperatures in India have risen by 0.7 °C (1.3 °F) between 1901 and 2018. The frequency of heavy rainfall events has increased, glaciers in the Himalayas are retreating and sea levels are rising. The Climate Action  goal emphasizes urgent action against this climate change. Green hydrogen supports it by offering a carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels, decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It aids renewable energy integration by efficiently storing and utilizing solar and wind power, strengthening climate resilience and driving sustainable development. The production of green hydrogen as well as its consumption involves minimal emissions.

How India is Powering Global Sustainability Goals

Not only is Green Hydrogen playing a vital role in meeting India’s sustainability goals it is set to emerge as a key hub for green hydrogen production and export, significantly contributing to global sustainability goals. According to a report by Alvarez and Marshall, India could export USD 3-5 billion worth green hydrogen over the next ten years. Through strategic initiatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched to support the country’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070, it targets an annual production of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030. This aligns with India’s broader vision of achieving energy independence by 2047, reducing fossil fuel imports.

It is estimated that by 2050 green hydrogen has the potential to reduce 20% of global CO2 emissions. Globally, governments have committed more than USD 37 billion in public funding to hydrogen development, while the private sector has announced investments of around USD 300 billion.

The private sector is playing a crucial role in job creation and energy security, while mitigating climate change by reducing emissions in hard-to-abate industries. Blended finance models, combining public and private funding, are de-risking investments and enhancing green hydrogen projects viability. Despite these benefits, challenges remain, including strong policy incentives, mandates for transition, and a commitment to green molecules without dilution of standards. Partnerships and alliances between industries and governments will play a pivotal role in accelerating adoption.

Sources:

• https://www.activesustainability.com/sustainable-development/green-hydrogen-energy-transition/
• https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/12/how-hydrogen-powered-vehicles-will-help-india-reach-its-emissions-targets/
• https://gh2.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/GH2_Development%20Finance%20for%20the%20Green%20Hydrogen%20Economy_2022.pdf
• https://nghm.mnre.gov.in/overviews.php#:~:text=The%20production%20capacity%20targeted%20by,Fossil%20import%20reduction%20targets
• https://egov.eletsonline.com/2025/03/india-rolls-out-five-pilot-projects-for-hydrogen-fuelled-bus-truck-under-national-green-hydrogen-mission/
• https://www.gasworld.com/story/india-targets-multi-billion-dollar-green-hydrogen-export-and-import-plans/2135642.article/