IIT Roorkee organized UIACH-2026 Hydrogen conclave, proposing ‘Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley’ with the institute as innovation hub, advancing green hydrogen policy and industry collaboration in the state.
IIT Roorkee Brings Together Stakeholders for Hydrogen Future
The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), through the Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy (HRED), organized the Uttarakhand Industry-Academia Conclave on Hydrogen (UIACH-2026) in association with Pinaka Green Pvt. Ltd. The conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, utilities, and stakeholders to deliberate on the future of the hydrogen economy and clean energy transition in Uttarakhand. The Hydrogen Conclave also aligned with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and reflects IIT Roorkee’s growing role in supporting clean energy innovation, policy engagement, and sustainable industrial transformation.
Participants also discussed hydrogen economy pathways, policy frameworks, and industry collaboration strategies that will shape Uttarakhand’s clean energy future. The conclave demonstrated strong commitment from academia, government, and industry to advance green hydrogen technologies in the Himalayan region.
‘Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley’ Concept Receives Strong Support
A major highlight of the conclave was the proposal for an “Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley” based on a Hub-and-Spoke model, with IIT Roorkee envisioned as the central knowledge and innovation hub. The proposed framework also aims to bring together industries, government agencies, utilities, startups, and research institutions across the state to develop an integrated hydrogen value chain encompassing production, storage, transportation, and industrial applications.
The deliberations also highlighted the important role IIT Roorkee plays in supporting Uttarakhand’s Green Hydrogen Policy and clean energy initiatives through advanced research, pilot projects, technology development, policy support, capacity building, skill development, and industry partnerships in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies.
Distinguished Leaders Emphasize Green Hydrogen’s Transformative Potential
The inaugural session commenced with an introduction to the vision and objectives of the conclave by Coordinator Prof. Sonal K. Thengane, who emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts for developing a sustainable hydrogen sector in the Himalayan region.
Distinguished addresses delivered by Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, Managing Director, UJVNL, and Prof. R. R. Sonde, Chairman, Jodhpur Hydrogen Valley, highlighted the growing significance of green hydrogen technologies for energy security, decarbonization, and industrial sustainability. Prof. Inderdeep Singh, Dean Infrastructure, IIT Roorkee, and Prof. S. K. Singal also addressed the participants.
Delivering the keynote address as Chief Guest, Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Principal Secretary (Energy, Planning, Irrigation & Minor Irrigation), Government of Uttarakhand, highlighted the important role of IIT Roorkee in supporting Uttarakhand’s clean energy and green hydrogen vision through research, innovation, policy support, and industry collaboration. He also stated, “Green hydrogen has the potential to become a key driver of sustainable economic growth, clean industrial development, and future energy security. Institutions like IIT Roorkee can play a transformative role in building a strong hydrogen ecosystem through advanced research, technology development, skilled human resource generation, and collaborative innovation.”
Panel Discussion Explores Hydrogen Valley Opportunities
A high-level panel discussion on “Prospects of Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley,” moderated by Prof. R. R. Sonde, also explored opportunities, policy support mechanisms, infrastructure requirements, industrial participation, and collaborative pathways for establishing a robust hydrogen value chain in Uttarakhand. Participants identified key sectors that will drive hydrogen demand and discussed strategies for scaling up production and deployment.
This was followed by a Round Table Discussion on hydrogen demand validation and potential offtakers in Uttarakhand, where representatives from industries, utilities, academia, and government departments discussed commercialization pathways, industrial adoption, and future hydrogen demand scenarios in the state. The discussions also identified concrete opportunities for industrial applications in cement, steel, transportation, and power generation sectors.
Participants Visit THDC Green Hydrogen Plant for Practical Exposure
Participants visited the THDC Green Hydrogen Plant at Rishikesh, gaining first-hand exposure to operational green hydrogen technologies and implementation practices. The site visit demonstrated practical applications of green hydrogen production and helped participants understand the technical and operational challenges of scaling up hydrogen infrastructure.
Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, congratulated the organizing team and stated, “Collaborative platforms such as UIACH-2026 play a crucial role in bringing together academia, industry, government agencies, and innovators to accelerate clean energy solutions and sustainable industrial transformation. As India advances towards a low-carbon future, institutions like IIT Roorkee have an important responsibility in developing advanced technologies, strengthening knowledge ecosystems, and nurturing skilled human resources to support national clean energy missions and emerging energy sectors.”
The conclave also reinforced IIT Roorkee’s emerging role as a key knowledge, research, and innovation partner in advancing green hydrogen technologies, clean energy transition, and sustainable industrial development aligned with national priorities and India’s decarbonisation goals.
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