IIT Roorkee Hosts Hydrogen Conclave; Proposes ‘Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley’ Vision

Uttarakhand, Roorkee, May 26, 2026: 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., bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, utilities, and stakeholders to deliberate on the future of the hydrogen economy and clean energy transition in Uttarakhand aligned with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. The initiative reflects IIT Roorkee’s growing role in supporting clean energy innovation, policy engagement, and sustainable industrial transformation.
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 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 highlighted the important role IIT Roorkee can play 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.
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 were delivered by Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, Managing Director, UJVNL, and Prof. R. R. Sonde, Chairman, Jodhpur Hydrogen Valley, who 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 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. Coordinated efforts among government, academia, industries, and innovators are essential for positioning Uttarakhand as a leading contributor to India’s clean energy transition and low-carbon future.”
A high-level panel discussion on “Prospects of Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley,” moderated by Prof. R. R. Sonde, explored opportunities, policy support mechanisms, infrastructure requirements, industrial participation, and collaborative pathways for establishing a robust hydrogen value chain in Uttarakhand.
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.
Participants also visited the THDC Green Hydrogen Plant at Rishikesh, gaining first-hand exposure to operational green hydrogen technologies and implementation practices.
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 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.