The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched new initiatives to strengthen cooperation between India and the Netherlands in the field of green hydrogen, reinforcing the two countries’ shared commitment to clean energy research and capacity building.
India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme Launched
As part of this expanded partnership, DST unveiled the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme, along with its scheme guidelines and a call for proposals, on February 6, 2026. The fellowship is designed to support eligible Indian doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty members, with a focus on building advanced research capabilities in hydrogen technologies.
The programme aims to advance Indian research across key areas such as hydrogen system integration, safety standards, techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment. These efforts align closely with national initiatives including the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Energy Independence 2047 and India’s Net-Zero 2070 targets.
The fellowship was announced in the presence of senior representatives from both countries, including DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar and Huib Mijnarends, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, who emphasised the importance of sustained international collaboration in driving innovation in clean energy.
Academic Alliance with IITs and University of Groningen
In addition to the fellowship, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and 19 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in green energy and hydrogen technologies, promoting joint research, academic exchanges and knowledge-sharing initiatives among students and faculty.
The MoU does not involve any financial commitments, but is expected to significantly enhance research capacity and human capital development in both countries. By pooling academic expertise and infrastructure, the partnership seeks to address the growing global demand for hydrogen solutions while supporting the clean energy objectives of India and the Netherlands.
Summary
The Department of Science and Technology has strengthened India–Netherlands cooperation in green hydrogen through the launch of a dedicated Hydrogen Fellowship Programme and a new academic partnership between the University of Groningen and 19 IITs. These initiatives aim to build research capacity, foster knowledge exchange and support both nations’ long-term clean energy and climate goals.
This article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are provided as examples and should not be considered as recommendations. Nothing contained herein constitutes personal financial advice or investment recommendations. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Please read all related documents carefully before investing.