New Delhi: India’s north-eastern state of Assam has put its flagship green hydrogen policy on hold, government and industry sources say, surprising investors already hit by a cut in incentives for clean-energy projects.
The state, the largest in the north-east, has sought to attract major investments in a region that has lagged much of the country in renewable-energy adoption, offering financial incentives and waivers to bring in electricity.
Energy firms, including NTPC Green, Larsen And Toubro, Singapore-listed Sembcorp, and Abu Dhabi-based Ocior, expressed initial interest in bidding for green hydrogen projects in Assam, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Assam’s decision to pause the green hydrogen policy surprised some of the companies, forcing them to recalibrate potential returns and investment plans worth millions of US dollars, three of the sources said. The state is now working on a new draft policy, which is expected by the end of this month, the government official said.
The companies did not respond to Reuters’ emails seeking comment. The industry officials and sources declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak on the matter.
Green hydrogen is produced using clean electricity and is seen as a decarbonisation tool to help limit global warming. — Reuters
