Introduction
As the world races toward decarbonization, India is not just participating; it’s leading with a specific, high-stakes roadmap. Central to this is the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, a cornerstone of the broader National Green Hydrogen Mission.
What is the SIGHT Programme?
SIGHT is a multi-billion dollar financial incentive mechanism designed to bridge the initial cost gap of green energy. With an outlay of ₹17,490 crore, it consists of two major components:
- Component I: Incentives for domestic Electrolyser Manufacturing.
- Component II: Incentives for the production of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives, like Green Ammonia.
Why was it launched?
The programme aims to reduce India’s reliance on fossil fuel imports and lower the cost of green hydrogen to make it competitive with traditional “Grey” hydrogen. By providing Production Linked Incentives (PLI), the government seeks to “de-risk” private investments and ensure that India doesn’t just consume green hydrogen but builds the supply chain to export it globally.
Current Status
As of April 2026, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has completed several tranches of bidding. Massive capacities for electrolyser manufacturing have been awarded to domestic and international players. Furthermore, pilot projects in “hard-to-abate” sectors, like steel, shipping, and heavy-duty mobility, are already underway to test real-world scalability.
Challenges
Despite the momentum, hurdles remain. The intermittency of renewable power makes 24/7 hydrogen production difficult without massive Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Additionally, the high cost of capital and the specialized infrastructure needed for hydrogen pipelines are significant bottlenecks.
Path Ahead
The goal is clear: 5 MMT of Green Hydrogen capacity by 2030. The next phase (2026-2030) will focus on creating Green Hydrogen Hubs near ports to facilitate international trade. By incentivizing the entire value chain, SIGHT is transforming India from an energy importer into a dominant clean energy exporter.
Lateral Thinking 
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