The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Green Hydrogen at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, under the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy–2024.
It will be jointly developed by the IIT-BHU and the Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur.
The Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has formally granted the approval to promote research, technology development, capacity building and industrial applications of green hydrogen in the state.
A key feature of the initiative is the proposed launch of a hydrogen-powered train between Varanasi and Gorakhpur in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways. The project is expected to facilitate testing of hydrogen storage, transportation, operational performance and various end-use applications. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) also plans to introduce green hydrogen-fuelled buses on the same corridor, positioning the region at the forefront of clean mobility. Nearly 50 per cent of the project infrastructure will be developed at MMMUT, strengthening the technology ecosystem in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
IIT (BHU) will serve as the lead institution, guiding strategic planning, research, and technical mentoring.
Dr. Preetam Singh, Coordinator and Associate Professor, Department of Ceramic Energy, said hydrogen can be produced through biomass-based and electrolyser-based routes. With abundant biomass available in Uttar Pradesh, biomass-based hydrogen production is both feasible and cost-effective, he said. The Centre will therefore prioritise biomass-based technologies while advancing research across other emerging hydrogen domains.
He added that the Centre will also set up an incubation hub to support innovation and entrepreneurship in green hydrogen and clean energy, helping build a strong startup ecosystem in the sector.
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Under a hub-and-spoke model, nearby engineering colleges and technical institutes will be developed as spokes and will receive curriculum support, training and faculty development, mentoring and access to technical exhibitions. The Centre will also provide policy recommendations to the state government on hydrogen production, storage, transportation and utilisation to support evidence-based decision-making.
“It is a matter of great pride that IIT (BHU) has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Centre of Excellence under the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy–2024. This initiative will open new horizons for clean energy, green mobility and cutting-edge research across the state. The proposed hydrogen-fuelled train and bus operations between Varanasi and Gorakhpur will be a historic milestone in India’s energy transition journey,” said Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU).
