Published: 8 February 2026DSTScience & Technology
India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme Launched; MoU Signed Between University of Groningen and 19 IITs
On February 6, 2026, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the 'India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme', alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Groningen (Netherlands) and 19 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The programme aims to accelerate collaborative research in green hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell technologies.
Under this framework, Indian and Dutch researchers will engage in joint PhD programmes, faculty exchange, and co-development of hydrogen demonstration projects. The partnership aligns with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets production of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, requiring ₹8 lakh crore in total investment. Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, generating zero carbon emissions.
The Netherlands is a global leader in hydrogen technology, electrolysis infrastructure, and port-based hydrogen logistics. The Groningen-IIT collaboration positions India to leapfrog in electrolyser manufacturing and green ammonia — areas for which Rajasthan's green hydrogen policy supports pilot development and green hydrogen parks. The National Hydrogen Mission directly intersects with Rajasthan's Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RRECL) goals, and the state's vast solar potential makes it a natural hub for green hydrogen production at scale.
Mains angle
Q: How does the India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme contribute to India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, and what is its strategic significance for bilateral research collaboration?
Answer (50 words):
The DST-launched fellowship with University of Groningen and 19 IITs enables joint PhD programmes, faculty exchange, and hydrogen demonstration projects. It supports India's target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, requiring ₹8 lakh crore investment, leveraging Netherlands' electrolysis expertise for domestic manufacturing capacity.
6-axis classification
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Frequently asked questions
What is the India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme and when was it launched?
The India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme was launched on February 6, 2026 by India's Department of Science and Technology (DST). It aims to boost collaborative green hydrogen research between India and the Netherlands through a MoU signed between the University of Groningen and 19 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The fellowship facilitates joint research, exchange programmes, and technology transfer.
What are the key targets of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)?
India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) targets annual production of 5 MMT (million metric tonnes) of green hydrogen by 2030, with a total investment outlay of ₹8 lakh crore. It also aims to create 6 lakh (600,000) jobs and make India a leading global exporter of green hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels.
How is green hydrogen produced and why is it considered a clean energy source?
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis — splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Since no fossil fuels are used in the process, green hydrogen produces zero carbon emissions, making it a clean and sustainable alternative to grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas) and blue hydrogen (from natural gas with carbon capture).
Why is the University of Groningen significant as a partner for India's green hydrogen research?
The University of Groningen in the Netherlands is one of Europe's leading research universities with strong expertise in energy transition, hydrogen technology, and sustainable chemistry. The Netherlands is globally advanced in green hydrogen infrastructure, making Groningen an ideal partner to transfer cutting-edge electrolysis and fuel cell technology to India's 19 IITs through joint research and student exchange programmes.
What is the RPSC relevance of the India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme?
This topic is relevant to RPSC Prelims and Mains under science-technology, environment, and international relations. Key points: India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (2030 targets: 5 MMT production, ₹8 lakh crore investment, 6 lakh jobs); green hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel produced via electrolysis; India's bilateral scientific cooperation with the Netherlands; and Rajasthan's potential as a solar energy hub to power green hydrogen production given its vast solar capacity.
