In a significant development for clean energy research and industrial innovation, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Green Hydrogen, jointly led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU). This initiative comes under the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy–2024 and has been formally approved by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), following recommendations from the State-Level Selection Committee.
The Centre of Excellence will operate through a collaborative model between IIT Kanpur and HBTU, sharing infrastructure, laboratories, and equipment across both campuses. Prof. Prabodh Bajpai from the Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering at IIT Kanpur will serve as the Nodal In-charge, while Prof. G L Devnani from the Department of Chemical Engineering at HBTU will act as the Co-In-charge. The framework ensures that all facilities and resources developed under the Centre will be jointly utilized by both institutions. Additionally, projects under the Centre will involve leads and co-leads from IIT Kanpur and HBTU, promoting a truly integrated approach to research and development.
The Centre will focus primarily on research and development in green hydrogen, covering key areas such as production, storage, transportation, safety standards, testing, demonstrations, and industrial applications. Special attention will be given to applied research and technology solutions for sectors including refineries, fertilizers, transportation, manufacturing, and energy systems. Through these efforts, the Centre aims to provide practical solutions to industry challenges and facilitate the adoption of green hydrogen technologies at scale.
Beyond research, the Centre of Excellence will serve as a central hub for engineering colleges, universities, and research institutions across Uttar Pradesh, granting access to advanced testing, research, and development infrastructure. It is also expected to support the incubation of at least 50 startups registered in Uttar Pradesh over the next five years. These startups will focus on innovation, pilot projects, and the commercialization of green hydrogen technologies, contributing to a vibrant startup ecosystem within the state.
Training and capacity-building will be an essential part of the Centre’s mandate. The initiative plans to organize workshops, seminars, technology demonstrations, and specialized training programs for students, researchers, industry professionals, and government stakeholders. These programs are designed to strengthen technical skills and nurture a robust green hydrogen talent ecosystem, ensuring that the state has the expertise required to support industrial and technological growth in this emerging sector.
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence is a strategic step toward positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for green hydrogen innovation and industrial adoption. By fostering research, startups, and industry collaboration, the initiative is expected to accelerate the clean energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities across the state.
IIT Kanpur, established in 1959 and recognized as an Institute of National Importance, has consistently been at the forefront of science and engineering education in India. The institute spans 1,050 acres and houses 19 departments, 20 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and three specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur is well-equipped to lead pioneering research initiatives, including this collaborative Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen.
The launch of this Centre is expected to mark a transformative milestone in India’s clean energy landscape, aligning with national priorities for sustainability, innovation, and technological advancement. By leveraging the strengths of both IIT Kanpur and HBTU, Uttar Pradesh aims to become a national leader in green hydrogen research, industrial application, and skill development.
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