Tata Group’s Hydrogen Push Aims to Decarbonize India’s Industrial Sector

In line with its commitment to sustainability and clean energy transition, Tata Group is advancing its plans to develop green hydrogen solutions as a key part of India’s decarbonization strategy. With operations spanning steel, power, chemicals, and automobiles, the conglomerate sees hydrogen as a critical enabler in reducing carbon emissions across its value chains and supporting national climate goals.

Tata Group’s interest in hydrogen aligns with the Indian government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to position India as a global hub for hydrogen production, utilization, and export. The Group's key companies—Tata Steel, Tata Power, Tata Motors, and Tata Chemicals—are each investing in hydrogen-related technologies, infrastructure, and pilot projects, leveraging their existing industrial capabilities and R&D networks.

Tata Steel is actively exploring the use of hydrogen to replace coke in the steelmaking process. Trials are ongoing at the company’s plants to assess the viability of hydrogen injection in blast furnaces. By replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen, Tata Steel aims to significantly lower emissions in one of the most carbon-intensive sectors. This forms part of its broader ambition to become net zero by 2045.

Tata Power is also expanding its focus on green hydrogen, particularly for industrial and mobility applications. The company is evaluating opportunities to build electrolyzer capacity and establish partnerships for hydrogen production, especially in regions with access to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. These efforts support Tata Power’s strategy to supply clean energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers.

Tata Motors is incorporating hydrogen fuel cell technologies into its commercial vehicle offerings. It recently unveiled hydrogen-powered prototypes and is working with industry stakeholders to develop the required refueling infrastructure. This move complements the company’s ongoing push into electric mobility, providing an alternative for heavy-duty and long-haul transport segments where battery-electric options face limitations.

Tata Chemicals, which has existing operations in the production of industrial chemicals and green energy, is assessing opportunities in hydrogen storage and chemical conversion. The company is also exploring the development of ammonia-based hydrogen carriers, which can support long-distance transport and export.

The Group's integrated approach—combining manufacturing, energy, mobility, and materials—places it in a unique position to lead the adoption of hydrogen across multiple sectors. This cross-company collaboration allows for synergies in technology deployment, cost sharing, and scalability.

In terms of policy support, Tata Group welcomes the Indian government’s push to create a favorable regulatory and financial ecosystem for green hydrogen. This includes incentives for electrolyzer manufacturing, viability gap funding, and mandates for industrial usage. However, the Group also notes that infrastructure development, cost reduction, and supply chain readiness remain critical challenges to mainstream adoption.

The transition to hydrogen-based processes is expected to be gradual, with initial pilots focused on specific use cases and geographies. Over time, the Group plans to scale up based on learnings from these pilots and the evolution of market demand and policy frameworks.

The Group has emphasized that decarbonization is not only a business priority but also a strategic imperative to future-proof operations. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy efficiency, Tata aims to enhance its long-term competitiveness while contributing to India’s climate and energy security objectives.

As the global energy landscape evolves, Tata Group’s investments in hydrogen reflect a broader shift among Indian industrial conglomerates toward cleaner technologies. With its diversified portfolio and national footprint, Tata is positioned to play a central role in shaping India’s hydrogen economy in the coming decade.