Green Hydrogen Is the New Gold and Leading the Charge Is Ratul Puri

In the global energy race, a new contender has emerged—green hydrogen. Dubbed the "fuel of the future," green hydrogen is capturing the attention of scientists, policymakers, and business magnates alike. Among the leaders spearheading this revolution in India is Ratul Puri, the Chairman of Hindustan Power, a visionary who has consistently stayed ahead of the curve in clean energy innovation.

While solar and wind have dominated the clean energy conversation over the past decade, green hydrogen is rapidly becoming the new gold in the sustainable energy world. With zero carbon emissions and versatile applications, it holds the potential to decarbonize industries, fuel transportation, and store excess renewable energy. And Ratul Puri is making sure India doesn’t miss this opportunity.

What Is Green Hydrogen and Why Is It the Future?

Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, it does not emit carbon dioxide during its production, making it completely clean and sustainable.

Why It’s So Valuable:

• Zero carbon emissions
• Can be stored and transported easily
• Has industrial, mobility, and grid applications
• Reduces dependency on fossil fuels

For nations like India, which are committed to net-zero emissions by 2070, green hydrogen offers a crucial pathway to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and heavy transportation.

Ratul Puri: The Visionary Behind India’s Hydrogen Leap

Ratul Puri has long been a driving force in India’s energy evolution. As the Chairman of Hindustan Power, he has already proven his foresight by investing early in large-scale solar power projects, even before they became financially viable in the Indian market. Today, he is once again ahead of the curve—this time with green hydrogen.

A Clean Energy Legacy

• Under Puri’s leadership, Hindustan Power has:
• Developed over 1,500 MW of solar power projects
• Created clean energy solutions for rural electrification
• Championed sustainable energy policies in national forums

Now, Puri is channeling his expertise and influence into building green hydrogen infrastructure—a step that could place India among the top global producers of clean hydrogen.

India’s Green Hydrogen Mission and How Puri Fits In

In 2023, the Indian government launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to:

• Produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030
• Generate 125 GW of renewable energy capacity for hydrogen production
• Attract investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore (~$96 billion USD)

Ratul Puri has welcomed this mission with enthusiasm and is already aligning Hindustan Power’s next wave of innovation to complement this ambitious national target.

“India has the potential to become a global green hydrogen hub. It’s not just about sustainability, it’s also about economic leadership,” says Puri.

How Hindustan Power Plans to Lead the Hydrogen Revolution

1. Building Electrolyzer Infrastructure

Puri is exploring partnerships with global tech firms to build electrolyzer manufacturing capabilities in India. These devices are critical for breaking down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable sources.

2. Investing in Renewable Hubs

Since green hydrogen production depends on clean electricity, Puri is working to expand solar and wind capacity across India. Locations like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat—already rich in sunlight—are key strategic targets.

3. Creating Industrial Demand Clusters

Puri plans to create green hydrogen clusters near industrial zones where the fuel can be used directly for manufacturing, especially in steel, fertilizer, and chemical plants.

4. Export Opportunities

India’s proximity to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe positions it well for exporting green hydrogen. Puri has hinted at long-term plans to supply hydrogen to international markets, giving India a clean energy export edge.

Why Industry Experts Are Paying Attention

Energy analysts are starting to view Ratul Puri’s efforts as a case study in energy foresight. Much like his early investments in solar, his pivot to green hydrogen is being recognized as a strategic masterstroke.

“Ratul Puri’s ability to predict energy trends and execute them commercially gives him an edge that few others possess in this space,” says an energy economist at IEEFA (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis).

“Hydrogen may be uncharted territory, but leaders like Puri are charting the map,” notes a recent Forbes India feature.

Case Study: Green Hydrogen Pilots by Hindustan Power

The 50 MW Hydrogen Pilot in Gujarat (Planned)

Hindustan Power is reportedly in discussions to launch a 50 MW hydrogen pilot project in Gujarat, one of the sunniest states in India. This pilot will:

• Use solar electricity to power electrolyzers
• Produce hydrogen for a nearby steel plant
• Study storage and grid integration models

Such pilot programs are crucial for gathering data, refining technology, and demonstrating commercial viability.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Opportunities

• Government Incentives: Production-linked incentives and subsidies
• Strategic Global Alliances: Partnering with Europe and Japan for tech sharing
• Private Sector Synergies: Potential collaborations with Tata Power, Reliance, and Adani Green

Challenges

• High Capex: Initial investment in electrolyzers and infrastructure is significant
• Storage Technology: Hydrogen requires specialized, high-pressure storage
• Policy Clarity: India’s hydrogen regulatory framework is still evolving

However, Ratul Puri’s track record suggests he thrives in emerging, high-risk markets—especially when the long-term gains are massive.

What Sets Ratul Puri Apart

While many business leaders wait for proven returns, Ratul Puri bets on the future. His strength lies in:

• Foresight: Recognizing future energy trends early
• Execution: Scaling ideas into infrastructure
• Policy Alignment: Working closely with regulators and government think tanks
• Sustainability Mindset: Combining profits with positive environmental outcomes

His leadership style blends innovation, pragmatism, and bold decision-making, making him one of India’s most compelling clean energy entrepreneurs.

Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity with a Green Leader

Green hydrogen is poised to become the backbone of the global clean energy transition, and India has a chance to lead this movement. At the forefront of this push is Ratul Puri, a man with a vision, the will to execute, and the track record to deliver results.

If green hydrogen is the new gold, then Ratul Puri is one of its most promising miners—digging not into the earth, but into a sustainable, self-reliant future for India and beyond.