On 8th May 2025, a one-day workshop titled “Sustainability of Digital – Cyber Worlds” was organized by the Kotak School of Sustainability, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, in collaboration with the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) at New Delhi. The session addressed the critical global concern around the long-term sustainability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in light of their growing energy consumption, ethical implications, and material dependency.

Discussions focused on the need for responsible digital governance, cybersecurity resilience, and sustainable technology design to ensure the viability of AI-driven systems. The session also delved into issues such as digital inequality, misinformation, cyber risks, and the growing environmental costs of digitalization, including rising e-waste and reliance on critical minerals.

A key highlight of the session was the address by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, who emphasized the hidden costs of digitalization, including increasing e-waste, energy usage, and India’s growing import dependence for critical raw materials. He underscored the urgency of addressing environmental risks and socio-economic impacts emerging from the digital transition.

Dr. Vineet Saini, Scientist-F, Department of Science and Technology (DST), also participated in the workshop, reflecting the DST’s commitment to advancing sustainable and secure digital futures.

India took active part in the Mission Innovation (MI) Annual Gathering and Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Senior Officials’ Meeting held from 9-11 April 2025 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The event convened senior officials, international partners, and collaborating organizations to assess mission progress, share success stories, and strengthen global clean energy collaboration ahead of the upcoming MI-10/CEM16 Ministerial in Busan this August.

Dr. Anita Gupta, Adviser & Head, Scientist ‘G’, Department of Science and Technology (DST), led the Indian delegation, joined by Dr. Vineet Saini and Dr. Balendra Singh. Dr. Gupta participated in a high-level panel, highlighting India’s leadership in inclusive innovation and its commitment to scalable, affordable clean energy technologies particularly in bioenergy, hydrogen, and grid integration. The delegation emphasized the importance of bridging the innovation-to-deployment gap and ensuring equitable access to clean energy solutions.

The gathering reviewed progress across MI Missions, explored inter-mission synergies, and aligned strategies for the MI-10 Ten-Year Impact Report. Key discussions included planning for the August Ministerial, communications and storytelling approaches, and leveraging MI’s role within the global innovation ecosystem.

India’s delegation also engaged in bilateral meetings with the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), and Hanyang University to explore collaborations in energy storage, hydrogen, bio-based chemicals, and clean mobility. A meeting with H.E. Shri Amit Kumar, Ambassador of India to Korea, further explored areas for deepening bilateral clean energy cooperation.

India reaffirmed its support for MI’s collaborative model, emphasizing joint innovation, strategic alliances, and equitable energy transitions. With new leadership under Joanna Drake as MI Steering Committee Chair, preparations are underway to make MI-10/CEM16 a key milestone for global clean energy transformation.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, convened a stakeholder consultation meeting on March 28, 2025, at its premises in New Delhi to identify key research areas across the Green Hydrogen value chain. The consultation aimed to gather expert inputs and foster collaboration to guide future R&D priorities under India’s green hydrogen initiatives.

The meeting was graced by the presence of H.E. Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India; Shri Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM); and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST. Also in attendance were Dr. Anita Gupta, Head, Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology Division, DST; Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Scientist ‘F’, DST; along with senior officials, researchers, industry representatives, and academic experts.

During the consultation, discussions focused on the scientific and technological challenges across the green hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and end-use segments. Participants emphasized the need for an integrated innovation ecosystem to accelerate the deployment of green hydrogen technologies and ensure their commercial viability.

DST, in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), is currently spearheading the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) project in India. These HVICs aim to demonstrate the full green hydrogen value chain on a pilot scale across various Indian regions under the NGHM. The project is designed to facilitate regional innovation hubs and create replicable models for green hydrogen deployment.

India and the Netherlands share a strong partnership in the field of clean energy through both bilateral cooperation and multilateral platforms such as Mission Innovation. The ongoing collaboration in the green hydrogen sector is a testament to the shared commitment of both nations towards a sustainable and decarbonized future.

The consultation concluded with a consensus on the need for coordinated research efforts, enhanced international collaboration, and industry-academia linkages to realize the full potential of green hydrogen in India’s energy transition.

On February 28, the National Science Day (NSD) 2025 was celebrated at Vigyan Bhawan, under the theme “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.” A significant highlight of the event was the launch of “EVolutionS – EV Solutions led by Startups”, a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. This program addresses the Demand Side and EV Flexibility under GPFM – The Green Powered Future Mission Pillar 2, offering a unique value-add through funding, testing, validation, and industry collaboration. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has collaborated with the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and ACMA India as supporting partners, facilitating access to testing, validation, market opportunities, and industry connections. This initiative fosters indigenous component manufacturing and accelerates India’s transition towards sustainable mobility solutions. This year’s celebrations reinforced the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who strongly believes that empowering youth in science, research, and entrepreneurship is crucial for India’s self-reliance and global leadership. Commemorating the discovery of the Raman Effect also reaffirms the commitment to nurturing young talent, fostering scientific excellence, and strengthening India’s innovation-driven ecosystem.

On February 23, 2025, the Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, in collaboration with International Energy Agency (IEA), hosted an Expert-Level Workshop on CCUS & CDR from February 21-23, 2025. Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing CCUS as crucial for India’s net-zero target by 2070. He highlighted that two-thirds of India’s CO2 emissions could be addressed through CCUS deployment.

Dr. Neelima Alam, Associate Head, CEST, DST, spoke on the CCUS perspectives and interventions in the panel session on R&D and collaborative approach as well as elaborated on DST ‘s CCUS activities and way forward. Industry leaders called for a national storage assessment, citing India’s vast saline formations. The workshop highlighted India’s progress in CCUS R&D, with DST developing a national CCUS roadmap to advance technology deployment. Industry leaders emphasized the need for CO2 storage assessment, particularly in saline formations with gigatonne-scale capacity. NITI Aayog’s upcoming CCUS Mission aims to establish a strong policy framework, while India’s CDR sector is gaining momentum, attracting global investors and corporations like Google.

The International Conference on Advances in Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics, and Communication Technologies (CE2CT-2025) was held at Graphic Era Hill University, Bhimtal Campus, Uttarakhand, on February 21-22, 2025, bringing together researchers, industry experts, and students to explore advancements in emerging technologies. Technically co-sponsored by the IEEE Uttar Pradesh Section, the two-day event served as a platform for innovation and knowledge exchange.

Dr. Vineet Saini, Scientist-F, DST, participated as the Chief Guest and addressed the audience, highlighting India’s progress in solar energy and sustainable innovation. Quoting the Sanskrit verse “Atatho Brahm Jigyasa”, he underscored the importance of continuous learning and scientific inquiry in shaping the future of technology. The session served as a key platform for disseminating Mission Innovation’s progress, showcasing advancements in renewable energy, decarbonisation of economy. Discussions underscored collaborative research and policy interventions to accelerate global clean energy transitions.

The conference explored advancements in photonics, sustainable development, AI in biomedical sciences, and gender inclusivity in STEM, with over 250 research papers presented. Experts discussed sustainable innovation, clean technology, and net-zero energy goals, reinforcing research and policy’s role in tackling global challenges. The event fostered intellectual discourse, collaboration, and innovation aligned with India’s clean energy goals and Mission Innovation initiatives. It concluded with the release of the conference souvenir, and a vibrant flower show highlighted the intersection of technology, nature, and culture, reaffirming a commitment to a cleaner, greener, and tech-driven future.

The UK-India Net Zero Innovation Centre Policy Workshop, organized by the British High Commission in India, took place on February 12, 2025, in New Delhi. The event brought together key policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to advance collaborative efforts in climate change mitigation, with a focus on CCUS, clean mobility, and green hydrogen.

The workshop was inaugurated with discussions emphasizing India’s commitment to cross-border R&D partnerships for accelerating emerging technologies in alignment with Mission Innovation’s objectives.

Dr. Anita Gupta, Adviser & Head, Scientist ‘G’, Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, along with Dr. Neelima Alam, Scientist ‘F’, Mr. Suresh Babu Muttana, Scientist ‘E’, and Dr. Anurag Verma, Program Manager-MI, participated in the event.

Sector-specific discussions highlighted advancements in CCUS, clean mobility solutions, and sustainable energy innovations, reinforcing India’s technology-driven pathways to net-zero. The dialogues focused on the latest technological developments, potential funding mechanisms, and collaborative models to scale up these technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs).

A key panel session on CCUS explored the status of related technologies in India and the UK, addressing feasible funding models and mechanisms for technology validation and acceleration.

The workshop successfully fostered dialogue on policy frameworks, industry-academia collaborations, and bilateral R&D opportunities, paving the way for stronger Indo-UK partnerships in clean energy innovation. By bringing together government agencies, industry stakeholders, and research institutions, the event reinforced the significance of international cooperation in achieving net-zero goals and advancing sustainable development initiatives.

The 9th Edition of EPS Industry Connect – The Energy Exchange 2025, organized by Industrial Outlook, took place on February 7, 2025 in Lucknow. The event brought together over 100 industry professionals, including policymakers, innovators, and business leaders, to discuss advancements and opportunities in renewable energy, electric mobility, and green hydrogen, with a particular focus on Uttar Pradesh’s role in these sectors.

Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Scientist F, DST, discussed India’s advancements in clean energy research, energy storage, and green hydrogen, detailing mission-driven initiatives like Mission Innovation 2.0 and the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster. He outlined efforts in hydrogen fuel cells, AI-driven materials discovery, and policy development for clean energy adoption.

Dr. Suresh Babu, Scientist E, DST, presented on the Electric Vehicle (EV) Ecosystem, highlighting India’s clean energy transition goals and challenges such as battery safety, charging infrastructure and government policies like FAME I & II and the ACC PLI scheme. He emphasized opportunities for start-ups in battery materials, traction motors, and charging solutions.

The event featured discussions on solar adoption policies, clean energy technologies, EV infrastructure, and the potential of green hydrogen and energy storage in Uttar Pradesh’s decarbonisation efforts. The conference successfully fostered dialogue among stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving India’s sustainable energy goals.

CLICK HERE for the brief report.

The CMAI event during the India Climate Week 2025 in New Delhi on February 4, 2025 marked the launch of the India Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Alliance, focusing on accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels in India. The event was organized by the Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) and brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates, to foster collaborative efforts in decarbonizing the aviation sector. It showcased initiatives to reduce aviation emissions while addressing challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable growth in the industry.

Dr. Anita Gupta, Adviser & Head, Scientist ‘G’, Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, participated in the event. During her special address, Dr. Anita Gupta emphasized the critical role of sustainable aviation fuels in reducing carbon emissions while supporting economic growth and energy security. She highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with SAF adoption, focusing on technological advancements, supply chain integration, and the importance of international cooperation. Dr. Gupta also spoke about India’s initiatives in climate action and the need for continued research and development to drive innovation in sustainable aviation technologies.

Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road, Transport & Highways, Government of India, graced the event as a key speaker. During his address, Nitin Gadkari emphasized the pivotal role of biofuels and green hydrogen in shaping India’s economic and environmental future. He highlighted several pilot projects, including Bio Bitumen, Bio Aviation-fuel, and Bio CNG, as steps toward sustainable growth. He stated, “Conversion of Knowledge into wealth is the future, and No Material is waste,” underlining the importance of innovation and circular economy principles.

He also shared his vision of achieving hydrogen production at a cost of $1 per kg, expressing confidence that India would lead globally in this area due to its advanced research and development initiatives. Gadkari’s insights underscored India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its strategic approach to reducing carbon emissions in the transport and aviation sectors.

The SCPP-IOE Workshop on “Research, Development & Innovation Network on PV & Related Areas”, held from 23–24 January 2025 at IIT Bombay, focused on advancing collaboration in solar PV technologies. Organized by the Photovoltaic Technology and Innovation Centre (PoTIC) and NCPRE, the workshop brought together experts from academia, research labs, and industry.

Dr. Anita Gupta and Dr. Vineet Saini from DST discussed national and international programs for fostering innovation in PV technologies. The experts emphasized the need for industry-academia collaboration to strengthen the PV value chain. The sessions provided insights into PV reliability, energy yield, and emerging applications like agrivoltaics and floating solar. Discussions also addressed battery storage, grid integration challenges, and broader applications for PV systems.

Participants shared their research, identifying gaps and opportunities for collaboration. Delegates toured state-of-the-art facilities at IIT Bombay, including NCPRE and PoTIC labs, gaining exposure to cutting-edge innovations. The workshop concluded with actionable recommendations to address critical gaps in PV development and emphasized the role of nationally funded facilities in driving impactful innovations.

The Workshop on “Circular Economy in Renewable Energy Technologies”, held on 19th December 2024 in New Delhi, focused on advancing sustainable practices in the renewable energy sector.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other key stakeholders. It showcased government initiatives and best practices in renewable energy circularity while addressing challenges and opportunities for transitioning to a circular economy.

Dr. Anita Gupta, Adviser & Head, Scientist ‘G’,  Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division along with Dr. Vineet Saini, Associate Head & Scientist ‘F’, Dr. Raghunath Reddy, Scientist ‘F’, Er. Dhirendra Tiwari, Scientist ‘D’, Dr. Challa Kiran Kumar, Scientist ‘C’ and Arun S, Program Manager, MI-India Unit were participated in the event.

Dr. Anita Gupta during the inaugural session underscored the importance of sustainable practices to balance economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. She highlighted challenges and opportunities in achieving a circular economy, focusing on waste management, renewable energy, and the prominent role of R&D in recycling technologies. She also talked upon various International and National efforts being taken in this domain. Dr. Gupta emphasized that all these efforts would boost the circular economy and green jobs in the market.

Dr. Vineet Saini presented India’s interventions in advancing clean energy goals, including the “Panchamrit” commitments, strategies for net-zero transitions, and the contributions of the departments towards circular economy. These efforts are in line with Mission Innovation (MI) goals under Green Powered Future Mission (GPFM). Moreover, he highlighted collaborative opportunities and knowledge sharing among MI members in promoting sustainable energy technologies through international cooperation.

The Mission Innovation Think Tank Webinar on “Clean Energy Innovation Policies in Emerging and Developing Economies (EMDEs)” was conducted on 28 November 2024, highlighting their critical role in global energy transitions. The webinar brought together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to discuss strategies, share best practices, and explore opportunities to advance clean energy solutions in these critical regions. It fostered collaboration and innovation to accelerate the transition toward sustainable energy systems and addressed the unique challenges faced by emerging and developing economies.

The event presented a joint report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and IIT Delhi, featuring case studies from 11 countries. It emphasized tailored innovation policies, including resource mobilization, knowledge management, market pull, and socio-political support. India’s role in the report is highlighted through its innovative approaches to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and international collaboration, with a focus on addressing local challenges while contributing to global energy goals.

Rosalinde Van Der Vlies, Chair, MI Steering Committee, highlighted the MI Think Tank Inclusivity Series as a platform to advance inclusivity in the energy transition. It focuses on key areas like community engagement, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The initiative ensures a just, equitable future by centering people in clean energy innovation.

The webinar addressed EMDE-specific challenges such as limited research infrastructure and constrained budgets, stressing the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange. Experts shared insights on how clean energy policies could support prosperity while meeting climate goals.

India made significant contributions to the webinar. Professional insights from Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA), noted that India has the potential to advance solar energy adoption and strengthen international collaboration. Professor Ambuj Sagar, Deputy Director for Strategy and Planning, IIT Delhi, shared the perspectives on crafting effective clean energy policies tailored to the unique needs of emerging and developing economies. From the MI India Unit, Dr. Vineet Saini, Associate Head and Scientist ‘F’ at DST, and Arun S, Program Manager, participated in the event.

These efforts showcased India’s commitment to advancing clean energy innovation and inclusive growth towards sustainable development.

On 10^th December 2024, US India Business Council and Uber hosted a High-Level Experts’ Roundtable on advancing electric mobility ecosystem for sustainable development in New Delhi. The event engaged stakeholders from government, industry, research institutions, and trade associations to address demand and supply challenges.

Dr. Anita Gupta, Mr. Suresh Babu Muttana, and Dr. Anurag Verma from DST and MI India participated. Dr. Gupta highlighted DST’s contributions, including the White Paper and Roadmap on e-mobility, shaping the ANRF’s MAHA EV Mission, and standards on EV charging infrastructure.

Key discussions included battery swapping, financing, consumer awareness, and actionable steps for sustainable mobility. Dr. Gupta also shared insights on Mission Innovation and its Green Powered Future Mission, fostering global collaboration on electric mobility advancements. The event emphasized the importance of diverse expertise to drive sustainable transport progress.

The 6th RD20 Conference, a prestigious global forum for advancing clean energy technologies, is being organized by TERI – The Energy and Resources Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, December 2-6, 2024.
Dr. Vineet Saini, Associate Head and Scientist F, Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, Department of Science & Technology (DST), participated in the 6th RD20 Conference held on December 3, 2024, along with the Mission Innovation-India Unit team, Dr. Pradyot Koley, Ph.D. Scientist D, and Arun S, Program Manager.

Dr. Saini presented “India’s Interventions on Mission Innovation (MI)”, highlighting DST’s pivotal role in advancing MI’s vision since its launch during COP21 in 2015. He outlined India’s strategies, including net-zero transitions, large-scale clean energy demonstrations, and technology promotion across seven key areas aligned with MI’s seven missions. The session showcased collaborative opportunities between RD20 and Mission Innovation and concluded with discussions on prospects for international cooperation.

A stakeholder meeting on the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Program organised by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on November 29, 2024.
The program focuses on bridging gaps in research infrastructure and fostering collaboration. Energy technologies have been identified as one of the priority themes. The scheme aims to boost research capabilities in emerging institutions by pairing them with top-tier institutions in a mentorship-driven hub-and-spoke model. The meeting highlighted strategies to build a diverse and impactful research ecosystem while addressing participant queries.
Dr. Vineet Saini, Associate Head and Scientist F, Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, Department of Science & Technology (DST), participated in the event.

Dr. Neelima Alam, Scientist F and Associate Head of CEST, DST, represented India in a UNIDO-funded delegation from November 25-26, 2024, for a study tour in Norway. She visited the Brevik Carbon Capture Storage Cement Plant, a key part of Norway’s Longship project, which captures 400 KT of CO2 annually for storage in saline aquifers beneath the North Sea. Along with the delegation, Dr. Alam also attended a meeting with the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Energy in Oslo, where innovative funding models for accelerating CCUS technologies were discussed. The visit provided valuable insights into technological advancements in the area of carbon capture and storage.

Dr. Anita Gupta, Advisor, Scientist G, and Head of Climate Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Scientist F at CEST, DST, led a 13-member delegation representing the Government of India at an experiential learning program in the Netherlands. The program, focused on best practices for designing and managing hydrogen valleys, was organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in India in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

As part of the program, the delegation visited the RDM Campus in Rotterdam—a hub where businesses, governments, startups, and students collaborate to develop and scale innovative hydrogen technologies. They explored selected models of hydrogen valleys and hydrogen hubs based on public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks.

India, represented by DST in the Mission Innovation (MI) initiative, is actively working towards developing India-centric hydrogen valleys. The delegation’s visit, coupled with India’s participation in the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels, provided valuable insights into the critical elements of creating and managing hydrogen valleys, enhancing India’s efforts to establish its own hydrogen ecosystems.

The 9^th Mission Innovation Ministerial (MI-9) convened from October 1-3, 2024, in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, alongside the 15^th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM-15), drawing representatives from 23 countries, the European Commission, and leading global think tanks such as IEA, IRENA, WEF, and UNIDO, etc. Hosted by Brazil, this landmark event unfolded in parallel with the G20 Energy Ministerial meeting, creating an impactful platform for clean energy innovation.

The Indian delegation, led by H.E. Shri Suresh K. Reddy, Ambassador to Brazil, included Dr. Anita Gupta, Scientist-G, Dr. Vineet Saini, Scientist-F and Dr. Balendra Singh, Scientist-D from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

India’s Key Contributions

Ambassador Reddy reaffirmed India’s goal of becoming a global hydrogen export hub, advocating for unified international green hydrogen standards. India also participated in the launch of the Inclusivity Catalyst Initiative, a joint effort between Mission Innovation and the Clean Energy Ministerial to promote gender equality and diversity in energy transitions.

The delegation reinforced India’s commitment to a sustainable energy transition through key policies such as the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, Employment) policy.

India’s presence was marked by contributions to sessions on “Fostering Energy Innovation in Emerging Economies”. Dr. Anita Gupta highlighted India’s contributions for advancing clean energy technologies. During sessions with IEA and IRENA, “Financing the Energy Transition by Leveraging Public Finance and Coordinated actions”, where she discussed how innovative financial models and public-private coordination are vital to advancing renewable energy in emerging markets. She articulated India’s critical role in bridging clean energy investment gaps in the Global South.

In another event on green growth through biomanufacturing, India showcased its leadership in sustainable biomass and engaged in dialogues for enhanced international collaboration in biorefinery projects.

Dr. Vineet Saini underscored India’s solar power ambitions by discussing Production Linked Incentives (PLI) schemes, which are essential to promoting solar manufacturing with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, supporting de-risked investment strategies in solar supply chains.

India actively engaged in bilateral/multilateral strategic discussions on clean energy technologies such as clean hydrogen, carbon capture, and biomanufacturing. Additionally, the delegation participated in field visits to the Itaipu Binacional Hydroelectric Plant and a Biogas Research Facility, gaining insights into renewable energy and biomass innovations.

Advancing Global Clean Energy

The joint MI-CEM “Gigatonne by 2030 Campaign” was also announced, aiming to scale up carbon management technologies to achieve substantial climate impact by 2030.

Evolution of the Innovation Platform

At MI-9, Mission Innovation unveiled the ‘Discovery Zone,’ a new evolution of its Innovation Platform, formalizing partnerships with key global clean energy bodies such as RD20, the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CET), and Driving Urban Transitions Partnership (DUT). These collaborations aim to accelerate global innovation in clean energy technologies and research.

As a part of CEM/MI ministerial, a joint declaration was adopted that looking forward to 2030 and continued to strive for focused research, development, demonstration, and deployment of clean energy solutions at a global scale.

At the International Conference on Green Hydrogen, India (ICGH-2024) from 11-13 September 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Dr. Anita Gupta, Scientist G & Head of the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Division at India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), was an invited speaker in a panel discussion on “Design Considerations for Developing Successful Hydrogen Hubs.” The panel featured international experts from India, Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany, representing government, academia, and industry. Dr. Gupta highlighted DST’s leadership in advancing seven clean energy missions under Mission Innovation 2.0, with a key focus on developing a hydrogen value chain and establishing Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVIC). She shared the model of HVIC being rolled out by DST as part of its commitment towards the Clean Hydrogen Mission (CHM) under the Multilateral Initiative Mission Innovation 2.0.

Dr. Gupta outlined DST’s plan to demonstrate small-scale hydrogen value chains at strategically selected locations across India, as part of the CHM. She addressed the challenges of the Hydrogen Valley project, emphasizing the importance of baseline data, meticulous planning, strategic investments, efficient logistics, and scaling up hydrogen production linked with demand creation for successful implementation.

At the Connecting Green Hydrogen APAC conference held in Melbourne, Australia, from July 9th to 11th, 2024, Dr. Anita Gupta, leading the DST delegation, actively engaged in advancing India’s hydrogen initiatives. She delivered a keynote address during the session “An In-depth Dialogue – Market Dynamics of Hydrogen from the Perspectives of Policy, Funding, and Prospects,” where she highlighted India’s hydrogen landscape, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and DST’s ongoing programs. She was joined by esteemed global leaders, including Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Megan Woods from New Zealand, and Philippine Senator Win Gatchalian, in discussing policies, funding mechanisms, and future prospects for hydrogen.

The delegation visited the SHEL Group to explore pioneering innovations in hydrogen technologies, including reversible fuel cells and proton flow batteries. At the Melbourne Hydrogen Hub and the Hydrogen Technology Demonstration Facility in Victoria, they observed advanced hydrogen infrastructure, such as refueling stations, high-efficiency electrolyzers, and renewable hydrogen systems. Led by Prof. Patrick Hartley, discussions focused on the Indo-Australia Green Hydrogen Task Force, emphasizing collaboration and strategies to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen exports.

An inter-ministerial delegation from India, including representatives from DST, DBT, MoP, BEE, and MoPSW, participated in this year’s Mission Innovation (MI) Annual Gathering and Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Senior Officials meeting, held from May 15-17, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia. The event saw participation from senior officials and delegates of CEM-MI member countries and various international organizations, such as WEF, UNIDO, IRENA, IEA, and GCoM.

The gathering began with a joint CEM-MI Opening Plenary and included a series of strategic meetings, concluding with a joint Closing Plenary. The three-day event featured engaging sessions on various MI Missions and Platforms, closed-door discussions, and breakout sessions focused on coherence, collaboration, and integration between CEM and MI.

The MI Annual Gathering also involved rigorous discussions and feedback from member countries on three priority areas for the upcoming CEM15/MI-9 Ministerial Meeting in Brazil later this year: i) Just and Inclusive Energy Transition, ii) Sustainable Fuels, and iii) Accelerating Finance. MI India extends its gratitude to the Indonesian and Australian hosts, both secretariats, and all delegates for their contributions and for making the event a success.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Mission Innovation (MI) 2.0 Insights platform, organized a workshop at the Energy Resources Institute (TERI) in New Delhi on March 21, 2024. The workshop, titled “Developing a Framework for Collecting Public Sector Data on Investment in Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) in Clean Energy,” drew broad participation from various ministries and departments, including MNRE, MoPNG, MoC, MoES, MoSPI, and DBT, along with research institutions like CSIR, CEA, and PSUs such as BPCL, BHEL, Oil India, CPRI, and Indian Oil Corporation.

Dr. Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director at TERI, opened the workshop with remarks that set the stage for fruitful discussions. Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of the CEST Division at DST, highlighted the significance of RD&D data collection for advancing clean energy, while Dr. Vineet Saini discussed the challenges and opportunities in this area. An interactive session, moderated by Mr. Sharif Qamar of TERI, allowed participants to share how their organizations contribute to RD&D data collection. The workshop concluded with a consensus on the need for standardized data collection and sharing practices to improve collaboration across the clean energy sector.

India’s active participation and interventions in Mission Innovation (MI) 2.0, a global multilateral initiative aimed at accelerating clean energy solutions for all, were prominently showcased at the DST stall (Hall 14, Booth F-41) during the ACREX India 2024 exhibition. This event, organized by the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), was held from February 15th to 17th, 2024, at the India Expo Mart Ltd. (IEML) in Greater Noida.

The theme of this year’s exhibition, “Decarbonization,” emphasized the HVAC industry’s progress toward achieving Net Zero emissions. On February 15th, Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of the CEST division at DST, inaugurated the DST stall, marking the start of the event. The exhibition attracted significant participation from the entire HVAC industry, with representatives from over 40 countries in attendance.

On National Science Day, February 28, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, unveiled a whitepaper titled “Evolution: Catalysing Technology-Led Ecosystem for e-Mobility: Contexts, Challenges, and Imperatives” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The whitepaper was officially launched by Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, alongside Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, Dr. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, and other distinguished experts in science and technology.

This document, which comes under the Mission Innovation (MI) goals, represents a comprehensive synthesis of three independently authored papers developed in collaboration with DST and domain experts. It addresses three critical areas:

1. Tropical EV batteries
2. Electric vehicle motors, drives, and power electronics
3. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

The whitepaper aims to lay the groundwork for enhancing local research and development (R&D) capabilities in these sub-sectors. Its ultimate goal is to foster the domestic development of advanced and next-generation technologies, thereby advancing India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution.

A significant milestone in Mission Innovation’s (MI) journey was the successful organization of the joint Ministerial Event of the 8th Mission Innovation (MI-8) and the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM-14), hosted by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Power. The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) is a high-level global forum dedicated to advancing clean energy technology, promoting policies and programs, sharing best practices, and encouraging the global transition to a clean energy economy.

This momentous occasion took place alongside the G20 Energy Transition Ministerial Meeting (ETMM), held from July 19 to 22 in Goa, India. The CEM-14/MI-8 Ministerial represented a remarkable multilateral effort, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address critical global challenges in the clean energy sector.

The event was graced by distinguished leaders, including the Hon’ble Minister of Power, Shri R. K. Singh, the Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Dr. V. K. Saraswat from NITI Aayog, underscoring the event’s significance.

A significant milestone in Mission Innovation’s (MI) journey was the successful organization of the joint Ministerial Event of the 8th Mission Innovation (MI-8) and the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM-14), hosted by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Power. The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) is a high-level global forum dedicated to advancing clean energy technology, promoting policies and programs, sharing best practices, and encouraging the global transition to a clean energy economy.

This momentous occasion took place alongside the G20 Energy Transition Ministerial Meeting (ETMM), held from July 19 to 22 in Goa, India. The CEM-14/MI-8 Ministerial represented a remarkable multilateral effort, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address critical global challenges in the clean energy sector.

The event was graced by distinguished leaders, including the Hon’ble Minister of Power, Shri R. K. Singh, the Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Dr. V. K. Saraswat from NITI Aayog, underscoring the event’s significance.

Mission, and the launch of the MI Think Tank with initiatives like Sunlight to X and CDR Mapping, all of which underscore the global commitment to advancing sustainable and cutting-edge technologies.

This event marked a significant step forward in the global clean energy dialogue, demonstrating India’s leadership in fostering innovation and collaboration on the path to a sustainable future.

The Government of Goa played a crucial role in supporting the event, managing logistics, operations, and key arrangements. This included providing venues, coordinating transportation, ensuring utilities were available, deploying security, acquiring necessary permissions, facilitating emergency services, and overseeing branding considerations.

The ZEV Expo was a major success, offering a prominent platform for showcasing and promoting Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) technology. The expo strategically aligned with the objectives of the Clean Energy Ministerial and contributed to the broader global transition toward greener energy and transportation solutions.