7 months ago
India and Germany sign MoU on hydrogen blending
India and Germany have signed an agreement to work together on using hydrogen with natural gas.
This agreement was signed by representatives from both countries in the presence of their leaders.
The goal is to make India's natural gas systems ready for hydrogen.
They will share technical rules and test methods, and work on safety and certification.
The agreement is not legally binding, but it sets the stage for future cooperation.
They also want to change some laws to make it clearer how to transport hydrogen through pipelines.
This is part of India's plan to use more green hydrogen in the future.
PNGRB and DVGW signed an MoU to cooperate on hydrogen integration in natural gas infrastructure.
The MoU was signed in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and German Chancellor Merz.
Key deliverables include access to technical rules, standards adoption, and a Hydrogen Readiness Testing Scheme (HRTS).
The MoU is a non-binding framework, with specific activities to be pursued through separate work plans.
PNGRB has suggested amendments to the PNGRB Act, 2006, to include hydrogen transportation and blends.
- Who
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) of India and German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) of Germany
- What
- Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on hydrogen integration in natural gas infrastructure
- Where
- Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- When
- January 12, 2026
- Why
- To establish a framework for cooperation on hydrogen integration in natural gas infrastructure, facilitate regulatory clarity, and support evidence-based regulation and standardisation
Proponents of Hydrogen Integration
Cautious Stakeholders
Benefits of Hydrogen Blending
Proponents of Hydrogen Integration
Proponents believe hydrogen blending will reduce carbon emissions and support India's green energy goals.
Cautious Stakeholders
Cautious stakeholders argue that the technology is still in development and may pose safety and infrastructure challenges.
Key facts
- Organizations Involved
- PNGRB (India), DVGW (Germany)
- Signatories
- Ajit Vinayak Gupte, Philipp Ackermann
- Location
- Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- Date
- January 12, 2026
- Key Deliverables
- Access to technical rules, standards adoption, Hydrogen Readiness Testing Scheme (HRTS), certification, database of components, network simulation tools, exchange of practices, technical exchanges/visits
- Focus Areas
- Hydrogen blending with natural gas, 100% hydrogen applications, regulatory framework, standardisation, safety methodologies
- Legal Status
- Non-binding framework
- Regulatory Amendments
- Suggestions for amendments to PNGRB Act, 2006, to include hydrogen transportation and blends
Quotes
Dr. Anil Kumar Jain
Chairperson, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
“National Drive 2.0 is a focused initiative of PNGRB to deepen the reach of City Gas Distribution networks and accelerate the adoption of PNG and CNG across the country. The Unified Tariff framework is enhancing affordability, transparency, and access, ensuring that regulatory reforms translate into direct consumer benefits. With nearly 60% of Jodhpur city covered, over 51,000 households connected, and domestic PNG prices reduced by Rs. 2.77 per SCM from January 1, 2026, the impact at the household level is clearly visible. Such LNG-based CGD models are replicable for expanding clean, reliable, and economical energy to far-flung areas. I am confident that National Drive 2.0 will significantly accelerate PNG and CNG adoption nationwide and strengthen India’s clean energy ecosystem.”
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Mr. Amitava Sengupta
Chairman, THINK Gas
“PNGRB’s National Drive 2.0 is a landmark initiative that will play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of PNG and CNG across India. This drive comes close on the heels of the implementation of landmark tariff reforms by the PNGRB when Domestic PNG and CNG segments will benefit from a preferential tariff system. We thank Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, and the Board for their leadership in creating a progressive regulatory framework, that enables wider access to clean and affordable natural gas. THINK Gas has exemplified this vision by investing over Rs. 510 crore in the Barmer-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Geographical Area and adopting a unique LCNG-based hybrid supply model to ensure uninterrupted gas supply even in the absence of pipeline connectivity. Building on the strong response to last year’s National Drive, which witnessed significant on-ground enrolments and increased CNG adoption, we will further intensify customer outreach across our Geographical Areas to support India’s transition towards a gas-based economy.”
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