UP Govt Clears Centre of Excellence in Green Hydrogen at IIT-BHU
On December 16, 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Green Hydrogen at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) in Varanasi. This initiative is part of the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy-2024, which aims to promote research, technology development, and industrial applications of green hydrogen throughout the state.
Collaboration Between Institutions
The Centre of Excellence will be jointly developed by IIT-BHU and Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT) in Gorakhpur. The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has formally granted approval for this collaborative project. By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, the Centre aims to enhance the regional technology ecosystem and foster innovation in green hydrogen.
Key Features of the Centre
The Centre of Excellence will focus on several critical areas:
- Research and Development: The Centre will prioritize research in both biomass-based and electrolyser-based hydrogen production, capitalizing on Uttar Pradesh’s abundant biomass resources.
- Capacity Building: The initiative aims to build capacity in green hydrogen technologies through training and educational programs.
- Industrial Applications: The Centre will work on developing practical applications for green hydrogen in various sectors, including transportation and energy.
- Incubation Hub: An incubation hub will be established to support startups and entrepreneurs in the green hydrogen and clean energy sectors.
Hydrogen-Powered Transportation
A flagship component of the project is the proposed hydrogen-powered train service between Varanasi and Gorakhpur. This service will be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways and will serve as a live testbed for hydrogen storage, transportation, operational performance, and end-use applications. In tandem, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) plans to deploy green hydrogen-fueled buses on the same route, positioning eastern Uttar Pradesh as a clean mobility hub.
Strategic Oversight by IIT-BHU
IIT-BHU will act as the lead institution for the Centre, overseeing strategic planning, research direction, and technical mentoring. Dr. Preetam Singh, Coordinator and Associate Professor in the Department of Ceramic Energy at IIT-BHU, emphasized the Centre’s commitment to developing cost-effective biomass-based hydrogen technologies while continuing research across emerging hydrogen pathways.
Support for Nearby Institutions
Under a hub-and-spoke model, nearby engineering colleges and technical institutes will be developed as spokes, benefiting from curriculum support, faculty training, mentoring, and access to technical exhibitions. This approach aims to create a network of institutions dedicated to advancing green hydrogen technologies in the region.
Policy Recommendations
The Centre will also provide policy recommendations to the state government regarding hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization. These recommendations will support evidence-based policymaking and help shape the future of hydrogen energy in Uttar Pradesh.
Significance of the Initiative
Prof. Amit Patra, Director of IIT-BHU, described the establishment of the Centre as a landmark initiative that will open new avenues for clean energy research and green mobility. The hydrogen-powered train and bus operations are viewed as significant steps in India’s energy transition, contributing to the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy sources.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Green Hydrogen at IIT-BHU marks a pivotal moment in Uttar Pradesh’s journey towards a sustainable energy future. By fostering collaboration between academic institutions, supporting innovation, and promoting clean mobility solutions, this initiative is set to play a crucial role in advancing green hydrogen technologies in India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest developments as of December 2025 and aims to provide an overview of the Centre of Excellence in Green Hydrogen at IIT-BHU.
