The Uttarakhand state cabinet has approved the Green Hydrogen Policy 2026, marking a significant step in the state’s transition toward clean and sustainable energy. The policy aims to harness Uttarakhand’s abundant hydropower resources to promote the production of green hydrogen, aligning with India’s national commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources such as hydropower, is widely regarded as a critical fuel for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors including steel, fertilizers, heavy transport, and energy storage. With its vast river systems and established hydropower capacity, Uttarakhand is uniquely positioned to become a hub for green hydrogen generation in northern India.

Under the new policy framework, the state government plans to encourage investment in green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution infrastructure. Incentives will be offered to both public and private sector players to set up hydrogen generation units powered by renewable energy, particularly hydropower-based electrolysis. The policy also envisions the development of hydrogen hubs near existing and upcoming hydropower projects.

Officials said the policy is designed not only to support climate goals but also to stimulate economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation in the state. By attracting clean energy investments, Uttarakhand aims to diversify its economy while maintaining its ecological balance in the Himalayan region.

The Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 complements the National Green Hydrogen Mission, under which India seeks to emerge as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Uttarakhand’s focus on leveraging hydropower reduces dependence on fossil fuels and ensures that hydrogen production remains truly “green,” with minimal lifecycle emissions.

In addition to industrial applications, the policy encourages the use of green hydrogen in public transport, mobility solutions, and backup power systems. Pilot projects involving hydrogen-powered buses and fuel cell applications may be explored in urban centers and environmentally sensitive zones to reduce air pollution and carbon footprints.

The cabinet decision also underscores Uttarakhand’s broader renewable energy strategy, which includes solar, wind, and small hydro projects. By integrating hydrogen into its clean energy mix, the state aims to enhance grid stability and address the intermittency challenges associated with renewable power generation.

Environmental experts have welcomed the move, noting that green hydrogen can play a transformative role in reducing emissions while supporting energy security. However, they have also emphasized the need for careful implementation, robust safety standards, and sustainable water usage, especially in ecologically fragile regions.

With the approval of the Green Hydrogen Policy 2026, Uttarakhand joins a growing list of Indian states actively formulating hydrogen-focused policies. The initiative reinforces India’s long-term climate commitments and positions Uttarakhand as a proactive contributor to the country’s clean energy transition.

As global demand for green hydrogen rises, the state’s early policy push could provide it with a competitive advantage, helping transform its natural hydropower strengths into a cornerstone of India’s low-carbon future.