Hedgewar Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen

Advancing India's Clean Energy Future with Near-Zero-Cost Hydrogen

The Hedgewar Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen is a pioneering initiative committed to making hydrogen production cost-effective, scalable, and truly sustainable. With India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, this centre is leading the way in developing breakthrough technologies that will bring hydrogen costs close to zero while fostering innovation, industry collaboration, and skill development in the green hydrogen sector.

Our Leadership

The Centre is proud to have Dr. R.K. Kotnala, Ex-Chairman and renowned international-level scientist, as the Head of Renewable and Clean Energy at Net Zero India Foundation. With decades of expertise in advanced energy research, Dr. Kotnala’s leadership will drive cutting-edge innovations in green hydrogen production and clean energy solutions, ensuring India’s leadership in the global energy transition.

To position India as a global leader in ultra-low-cost green hydrogen production, storage, and utilization through advanced research, sustainable practices, and policy advocacy for a decarbonized future.

Make hydrogen cost near-zero by revolutionizing production technologies.
Develop high-efficiency and low-cost hydrogen technologies, prioritizing Hydro Electric Cell technology.
Foster industry-academia collaboration for breakthrough innovations.
Build a skilled workforce through specialized training programs.
Support the commercialization and deployment of green hydrogen solutions.
Assist policymakers in formulating a robust hydrogen economy in India.

To drive a paradigm shift in hydrogen production by prioritizing disruptive, energy-efficient technologies that eliminate dependency on fossil fuels and freshwater, ensuring a sustainable, self-reliant, and economically viable hydrogen ecosystem for India and the world.

Why Green Hydrogen

Near-Zero Cost Energy – Hydro Electric Cell technology aims to make hydrogen cheaper than fossil fuels.
Zero Carbon Emissions – A clean alternative to coal, oil, and natural gas.
Energy Security – Reduces dependence on imported fuels.
Industrial Decarbonization – Essential for steel, cement, and chemical industries.
Storage & Grid Stability – Enables long-term renewable energy storage.

Our Network

Strategic Partnerships

The centre is collaborating with:

IIT ISM Dhanbad – Lead institution driving R&D.
Net Zero India Foundation – Project implementation agency.
Government and Private Sector Stakeholders – Ensuring policy alignment and market adoption.

Key Focus Areas

1. Hydro Electric Cell Technology – The Game Changer

A revolutionary technology that produces hydrogen directly from water without the need for electrolysis or external energy sources.
Can operate at room temperature with minimal infrastructure, drastically reducing hydrogen production costs.
The centre is committed to making Hydro Electric Cell technology the primary focus of research and commercialization, ensuring that hydrogen is not just green but affordable and accessible for all sectors.

2. Biomass-to-Hydrogen Conversion

Gasification & Pyrolysis – Utilizing agricultural and organic waste for hydrogen production.
Biological Hydrogen Production – Using microbial and algae-based systems for sustainable hydrogen generation.

3. Hydrogen Storage & Transportation

Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) – Safe and efficient liquid-based hydrogen storage.
Metal Hydrides – Solid-state hydrogen storage for portable applications.
Cryogenic & Compressed Gas Storage – Traditional high-pressure storage solutions.

4. Hydrogen Fuel Cells & Applications

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) – Used in electric vehicles and stationary power.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) – High efficiency for industrial and grid applications.

5. Policy & Regulatory Advocacy

Supporting government initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Advising on policy frameworks, incentives, and regulatory structures.
Promoting hydrogen safety standards and certifications.

6. Skill Development & Capacity Building

Specialized training programs for engineers, researchers, and industry professionals.
Workshops on hydrogen technologies, safety, and business models.
Establishing academic programs in collaboration with top institutions.

7. Advancing Electrolysis Technologies (Continuous Improvement)

Improving current electrolysis methods for higher efficiency and lower cost, but making them a secondary priority to Hydro Electric Cell technology.
Research in Alkaline Electrolysers (AEL), Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolysers, and Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOE) to enhance their commercial viability.
While electrolysis remains an important pathway, our core focus is on disruptive technologies that drastically reduce energy input and operational costs.

NetZero India focuses on advancing sustainability and climate action by promoting clean energy, carbon neutrality, and eco-friendly practices. It aims to empower individuals, businesses, and policymakers to transition toward a low-carbon future.