Published: 7 February 2026PIB / DST India / Elets eGovScience & Technology
India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship and IIT MoU Launched to Build Green Hydrogen Research Ecosystem
On February 6, 2026, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the 'India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme' in New Delhi and hosted the signing of an MoU between the University of Groningen (Netherlands) and 19 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The fellowship aims to build India's research capacity in green hydrogen technology by enabling researchers to work at Dutch institutions and fostering academic exchange in clean energy.
The initiative is part of a broader India-Netherlands bilateral science cooperation framework focusing on green energy, sustainable materials, and the hydrogen economy. The University of Groningen is among Europe's leading research universities with expertise in energy transition. The 19-IIT consortium represents nearly the entire national network of premier engineering institutions.
Green hydrogen — produced through electrolysis of water using renewable electricity — is seen as critical for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, fertilisers, and heavy transport. India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) targets production of 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of green hydrogen by 2030 with an associated renewable energy capacity of 125 GW. The India-Netherlands collaboration advances this mission through academic research partnerships, with Rajasthan's large solar potential making the state a natural hub for electrolyser-based green hydrogen production.
Mains angle
Q: Analyse the strategic importance of the India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship and the 19-IIT MoU for advancing India's National Green Hydrogen Mission 2023 targets, and Rajasthan's role as a potential electrolyser hub.
Answer (50 words):
The Department of Science and Technology launched the India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship on February 6, 2026, alongside an MoU between the University of Groningen and 19 IITs. This advances the National Green Hydrogen Mission 2023 target of 5 MMTPA and 125 GW renewable capacity by 2030, leveraging Rajasthan's solar hub potential.
6-axis classification
CoverageInternationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB / DST India / Elets eGov
Frequently asked questions
What is the India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme and when was it launched?
The India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme is a bilateral initiative launched by DST (Department of Science and Technology) on February 6, 2026, in partnership with the University of Groningen, enabling Indian and Dutch researchers to collaborate on green hydrogen technology.
Which institutions signed the MoU under the India-Netherlands hydrogen initiative?
The University of Groningen (Netherlands) and 19 IITs across India signed a Memorandum of Understanding for collaborative green hydrogen research under the fellowship programme.
What is India's National Green Hydrogen Mission target and what is its financial outlay?
India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved in January 2023, targets production of 5 MMTPA (million metric tonnes per annum) of green hydrogen by 2030, with a total outlay of ₹19,744 crore.
How is green hydrogen produced and why is it called 'green'?
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. It is called 'green' because the process emits zero carbon dioxide, making it a clean fuel.
Under what broader bilateral framework does India-Netherlands science cooperation take place?
India-Netherlands scientific collaboration, including the hydrogen fellowship, takes place under the bilateral Science and Technology (S&T) Agreement between the two countries, which formalises joint research and technology cooperation.
