India and EU set out extensive agenda for green hydrogen cooperation

India and the EU have set out an extensive agenda for cooperation in green hydrogen and energy efficiency. Discussions in Brussels during the 10th meeting of the India-EU Energy Panel on Thursday (November 21, 2024) saw the two sides also deciding to work together on offshore wind and regional energy connectivity.

The agenda for green hydrogen cooperation includes assessing infrastructure development feasibility, regulatory and technology cooperation, and strengthening of supply chains, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday (November 23, 2024).

The Energy Panel focussed on the energy transition priorities of the two sides and took stock of the achievements of the 2nd Phase of the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership 2021-2024. The two sides undertook and completed joint initiatives involving technical cooperation in 51 activities divided into nine sectors.

After the discussions, India and the EU adopted the Work Plan for the 3rd Phase of the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership 2025-28 which will focus on deeper cooperation in five priority areas -

1. Green hydrogen.

2. Offshore wind.

3. Regional connectivity, electricity. market integration and smart grids.

4. Energy efficiency.

5. Energy and climate diplomacy.

According to the MEA, India and the EU also entered into long term research commitments to jointly support research in clean energy projects as part of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council Working Group on Clean and Green Technologies, which was established in January 2023. EU and EU Member States participated in the International Conference on Green Hydrogen 2024 in India, while India joined as an exclusive country partner of European Hydrogen Week 2024. 

The Panel also welcomed the participation of the EU and EU Member States in the International Solar Alliance. India and the EU also reiterated their cooperation in the International Energy Agency, and agreed to engage closely on clean energy in the framework of the G20.

The meeting was co-chaired by Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy, European Commission. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of Power from the Indian side and Directorate General for Energy and Directorate General for Climate Action, European Commission from the EU side.