The Uttarakhand Industry-Academia Conclave on Hydrogen (UIACH-2026) conclave on May 26 mooted a proposal for an “Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley” based on a Hub-and-Spoke model, with IIT Roorkee envisioned as the central knowledge and innovation hub. The proposed framework aims to bring together industries, government agencies, utilities, startups, and research institutions across the state to develop an integrated hydrogen value chain encompassing production, storage, transportation, and industrial applications.
The conclave organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), through the Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy (HRED), in association with Pinaka Green Pvt. Ltd., had brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, utilities, and stakeholders to deliberate on the future of the hydrogen economy and clean energy transition in Uttarakhand aligned with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Distinguished addresses were delivered by Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, Managing Director, UJVNL, and Prof. R. R. Sonde, Chairman, Jodhpur Hydrogen Valley, who highlighted the growing significance of green hydrogen technologies for energy security, decarbonization, and industrial sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address as Chief Guest, Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Principal Secretary (Energy, Planning, Irrigation & Minor Irrigation), Government of Uttarakhand, highlighted the important role of IIT Roorkee in supporting Uttarakhand’s clean energy and green hydrogen vision through research, innovation, policy support, and industry collaboration.
He stated, “Green hydrogen has the potential to become a key driver of sustainable economic growth, clean industrial development, and future energy security. Institutions like IIT Roorkee can play a transformative role in building a strong hydrogen ecosystem through advanced research, technology development, skilled human resource generation, and collaborative innovation. Coordinated efforts among government, academia, industries, and innovators are essential for positioning Uttarakhand as a leading contributor to India’s clean energy transition and low-carbon future.”
A high-level panel discussion on “Prospects of Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley,” moderated by Prof. R. R. Sonde, explored opportunities, policy support mechanisms, infrastructure requirements, industrial participation, and collaborative pathways for establishing a robust hydrogen value chain in Uttarakhand.
This was followed by a Round Table Discussion on hydrogen demand validation and potential offtakers in Uttarakhand, where representatives from industries, utilities, academia, and government departments discussed commercialization pathways, industrial adoption, and future hydrogen demand scenarios in the state.
Participants also visited the THDC Green Hydrogen Plant at Rishikesh, gaining first-hand exposure to operational green hydrogen technologies and implementation practices.
