
In a significant push to clean energy research and industrial innovation, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Green Hydrogen under the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy–2024. The Centre will be jointly set up by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur.
The approval has been granted by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) following recommendations from the State-Level Selection Committee.

The Centre of Excellence will operate under a collaborative model, with facilities spread across the campuses of IIT Kanpur and HBTU Kanpur, using shared infrastructure, laboratories, and equipment. Prof. Prabodh Bajpai from the Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering, IIT Kanpur, has been appointed as the Nodal In-charge, while Prof. G L Devnani from the Department of Chemical Engineering, HBTU, will serve as the Co-In-charge. Research projects under the Centre will be jointly led by faculty members from both institutions.
The CoE will focus on research and development across the green hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, transportation, safety standards, testing, demonstrations, and industrial applications. Priority will be given to applied research and industry-oriented solutions for sectors such as refineries, fertilizers, transportation, manufacturing, and energy systems.
Designed as a common facility hub, the Centre will provide access to advanced testing and R&D infrastructure for engineering colleges, universities, and research institutions across Uttar Pradesh. It is expected to incubate at least 50 startups registered in the state over the next five years, supporting innovation, pilot projects, and commercialization of green hydrogen technologies.
In addition, the Centre will conduct training programmes, workshops, seminars, technology demonstrations, and capacity-building initiatives for students, researchers, industry professionals, and government stakeholders, aimed at developing a skilled green hydrogen workforce in the state.
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence is seen as a key step in positioning Uttar Pradesh as a hub for green hydrogen innovation and industrial deployment, supporting the state’s clean energy transition, reducing carbon emissions, attracting investments, and generating employment opportunities.
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