Lucknow,

19 Jan (HS): The Uttar Pradesh government has began work on an action plan to

position the state as a technological leader in green hydrogen, with an

emphasis on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship under the Green Hydrogen

Policy, according to an official statement released on Monday.

As

part of the policy, the state would build two centers of excellence (CoEs) to

develop low-cost, indigenous green hydrogen technology, as well as provide five

years of financial assistance to sector entrepreneurs, according to the

statement.

The

government intends to minimize the cost of green hydrogen and establish UP as a

significant hub for green energy technologies in the country. The two CoEs will

concentrate on technology linked to the generation, storage, transportation,

and use of green hydrogen, with a focus on cost reduction.

Both

centers will be established through reputable academic institutions and will

conduct industry-specific research to address sectoral needs. The state

government would offer each centre with up to Rs 50 crore in 100% financial

support to build high-end research infrastructure,

including modern labs and testing facilities, according to the release.

It

stated that with India aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070, UP intends to

play a vital role in reaching the national objective. According to the report,

the state is fast becoming a manufacturing and technological hotspot for green

hydrogen under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. According to

the statement, the state's first green hydrogen factory in Gorakhpur has

already been opened, and it is estimated to cut carbon emissions by around 500

tons.

Several

additional green hydrogen projects are in the works around the state. As part

of the strategy, green hydrogen businesses would receive financial help of up

to Rs 25 lakh per year for five years if they are incubated at recognized

academic institutions. The move is anticipated to boost research-based

entrepreneurship, create green employment, and increase UP's participation in

the National Green Hydrogen Mission, according to the statement.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi