Varanasi: In a major step towards advancing clean energy and green mobility, 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. The approval has been formally granted by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA).
Joint Development by IIT-BHU and MMMUT Gorakhpur
The Centre will be jointly developed by IIT BHU and Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT), Gorakhpur, with nearly 50% of the project infrastructure being established at MMMUT. This partnership aims to strengthen the regional technology ecosystem in eastern Uttar Pradesh, combining academic excellence with applied research capabilities. IIT BHU will act as the lead institution, overseeing strategic planning, research direction, and technical mentoring.
Hydrogen-Powered Mobility: Train and Bus Initiatives
A flagship component of the initiative is the proposed hydrogen-powered train service connecting Varanasi and Gorakhpur, to be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways. This corridor will serve as a live testbed for hydrogen storage, transportation, operational performance, and end-use applications.
In parallel, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) plans to deploy green hydrogen-fueled buses along the same route, positioning eastern Uttar Pradesh as a hub for clean mobility solutions. These initiatives aim to demonstrate scalable hydrogen-based transportation while fostering public awareness and adoption of clean energy technologies.
Research Focus and Technology Development
Dr. Preetam Singh, Coordinator and Associate Professor in the Department of Ceramic Energy at IIT-BHU, stated that the Centre will focus on both biomass-based and electrolyser-based hydrogen production. Given the state’s abundant biomass availability, priority will be given to cost-effective biomass-based hydrogen technologies, while research across emerging hydrogen pathways will continue.
The Centre will also serve as an incubation hub to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups in green hydrogen and clean energy. Under a hub-and-spoke model, nearby engineering colleges and technical institutes will act as spokes, receiving curriculum support, faculty training, mentoring, and access to technical exhibitions, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for hydrogen technology development.
Policy Support and Strategic Impact
Beyond research and technology development, the Centre will provide policy recommendations to the Uttar Pradesh government on hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization, promoting evidence-based policymaking in the sector.
Prof. Amit Patra, Director of IIT BHU, called the initiative a landmark project for clean energy research in India. He noted that the hydrogen-powered train and bus operations would mark a significant milestone in India’s energy transition, opening new avenues for green mobility and sustainable development in the region.
Significance for Uttar Pradesh and India
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence positions Uttar Pradesh as a key player in India’s green hydrogen ecosystem, combining cutting-edge research, industrial applications, and clean mobility solutions. With its focus on both technology development and regional capacity building, the initiative is expected to accelerate the state’s contribution to India’s clean energy goals while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the hydrogen sector.
