India, Netherlands Launch Hydrogen Fellowship, Expand Research Ties

India and the Netherlands have strengthened their clean energy partnership with the launch of the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme and the signing of a major academic cooperation agreement in green hydrogen research. The initiative underscores the growing emphasis on international collaboration to accelerate India’s clean energy transition and build capacity in emerging hydrogen technologies.

Launch of the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme

The fellowship programme was launched by “Abhay Karandikar”, Secretary of the “Department of Science and Technology”. It is a national capacity-building initiative open to eligible Indian doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members across institutions. The programme focuses on structured exposure to advanced hydrogen ecosystems in the Netherlands to enhance India’s readiness for hydrogen deployment.

Focus Areas and Capacity Building Objectives

The fellowship places emphasis on system integration, safety standards, techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, and indigenisation pathways. According to DST, the design ensures that research outcomes directly support India’s clean energy priorities, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. The programme aligns with national goals to move hydrogen technologies from research stages to scalable deployment.

Academic MoU With University of Groningen and IITs

DST also hosted the signing of an institution-to-institution Memorandum of Understanding between the “University of Groningen” and 19 Indian Institutes of Technology. The MoU establishes an enabling framework for long-term cooperation in hydrogen and green energy research. It provides for faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and structured knowledge sharing, without automatic financial commitments.

Important Facts for Exams

• Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources with minimal carbon emissions.
• The Netherlands is a key European hub for hydrogen infrastructure and port-based energy systems.
• India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global production hub.
• Academic MoUs often enable collaboration without direct financial obligations.

Strategic Alignment With India’s Energy Goals

The high-level engagement highlighted alignment with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, Energy Independence 2047, and Net-Zero 2070 objectives. Dutch Deputy Ambassador “Huib Mijnarends” emphasised shared priorities in energy transition, while “Jouke de Vries” underlined the role of sustained academic partnerships. The initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening Indo-Dutch cooperation and human capital for the global hydrogen economy.