Indian Economy News

DST Strengthens India–Netherlands Cooperation in Green Hydrogen Research and Capacity Building

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), as part of a strengthened partnership between two nations on clean energy, has launched new initiatives between India and Netherlands, including the unveiling of the India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme and a notable new academic alliance between top-rate institutions. The fellowship, which includes a Scheme Guidelines and Call for Proposals unveiled on February 6, 2026, is intended for capacity-building for eligible Indian doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty. The plan is to take Indian research forward on its journey using hydrogen technology, including system integration, safety, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment, as part of a new clean energy plan, as provided for through initiatives including the ‘National Green Hydrogen Mission’, ‘Energy Independence 2047’, and ‘Net-Zero 2070’. The fellows and dignitaries who led this effort include Secretary Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, and Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India. Mr. Huib Mijnarends highlights nations' commitments to clean, forward-thinking research on energy frontlines.
In addition to this fellowship program, a signing event was held for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and 19 different Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). This agreement sets the stage for cooperation between entities in the field of green energy and hydrogen technology, allowing for greater opportunities for both student and faculty exchanges and knowledge-sharing activities. This agreement sets the stage for a level of academic cooperation without the stipulation of any financial arrangements. Enhancing this partnership would increase the overall level of research capability and human resources available to the changing international market for hydrogen while also meeting the requirements of both nations' clean energy objectives.

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