Sukhu’s Green Hydrogen Hype—Big Promises, Tough Reality...
Shimla, February 4, 2025: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is set to lay the foundation stone for Himachal’s first green hydrogen plant on February 5. The government claims it’s a revolutionary step.
The goal? To make Himachal India’s first green energy state by March 2026. But is this ambition realistic?
A 1 MW Dream, But Will It Deliver?
The ₹9.04 crore Green Hydrogen Plant will be set up in Dabhota, Nalagarh. It is expected to produce 423 kg of green hydrogen per day. The timeline? 18 months.
The project is part of a 2023 MoU with All India Limited. The company was roped in for solar, green hydrogen, geothermal, and biogas development.
The plant will be powered by renewable energy. The government claims it will cut down greenhouse gas emissions and promote a clean energy ecosystem.
Mega Plans, But Slow Execution
Himachal claims to be pushing hard for 500 MW solar power. Five solar parks (501 MW) and additional projects (212 MW) are on paper. The biggest solar plant (32 MW) in Una’s Pekhubela is operational.
But is the government walking the talk? Past projects have faced delays, land issues, and funding roadblocks. Green hydrogen needs proper demand, transport, and storage infrastructure. None of it is ready yet.
Is This Just Political Optics?
March 2026 is just 13 months away. Can Himachal truly become India’s first green energy state by then?
Many projects exist only on paper. Hydropower still dominates the energy mix. Bureaucratic hurdles and execution delays are a reality.
For now, big claims, slow progress, and miles to go.
