Archive · 12 Jan 2026
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
- When
- January 12, 2026
- Where
- Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
- 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.
- 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
