India Hydrogen Storage & Transport Market - A Country Level Analysis

Introduction to the India Hydrogen Storage and Transport Market (Including Market in 2024 and 2035)

India’s hydrogen ecosystem is poised for significant expansion as the nation targets reducing carbon emissions and boosting energy security. By 2024, industrial demand for hydrogen primarily from refineries and fertilizer production continues to rely heavily on grey hydrogen (produced from fossil fuels). However, growing policy support and private investments are rapidly accelerating the shift toward green hydrogen generated via electrolysis. This transition, combined with India’s existing natural gas infrastructure, lays the foundation for scaled-up hydrogen transportation and storage solutions across the country.

By 2035, large-scale deployments of hydrogen refueling stations, compressed hydrogen fleets, and liquid hydrogen logistics are expected to proliferate. Government-led initiatives, private-sector collaboration, and technological developments such as advanced tank designs and more efficient liquefaction processes are set to make hydrogen transport safer and more cost-effective. Moreover, the Indian government’s target to achieve 5 million metric tons of annual green hydrogen production by 2030 compels robust investment in associated storage and distribution. Consequently, the India Hydrogen Storage and Transport Market is projected to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing key sectors like chemicals, refineries, metallurgy, and eventually mobility, positioning the country as a major global hub for hydrogen-based technologies.

Overview of Infrastructure Requirements

•    Current Infrastructure: Predominantly adapted from natural gas grids, with select hydrogen pipelines linked to industrial clusters. Most hydrogen production remains captive at refineries and chemical plants, using grey hydrogen processes.
•    Needed Improvements: Dedicated hydrogen pipelines, expanded compressed transport fleets, and the addition of new refueling stations to facilitate widespread adoption.
•    Production Plants: Growing emphasis on green hydrogen from renewable-powered electrolysis plants. Established players focus on scaling capacities, while startups and global firms invest in advanced generation technologies.
•    Refueling Stations: Limited operational sites; upcoming stations designed to serve heavy-duty mobility pilots (e.g., buses, trucks) and bridging capacity for light commercial vehicles.

Market Segmentation by Hydrogen Type
•    Compressed Hydrogen 
        o    Grade 1, Grade 2, Ultra-High Purity
        o    Distribution through tank types (Type 3, 4) and towed trailers
•    Liquid Hydrogen 
        o    Emerging for long-distance transport and large-volume storage
•    Others 
        o    Potential future adoption includes innovative carriers (e.g., ammonia, LOHC)

Market Segmentation by Storage and Distribution
•    Storage 
        o    Tank Type 1, 2, 5
        o    Bulk Industrial Tanks
        o    Fueling Station Storage
•    Distribution 
        o    Tanker Trucks, Rail Tank Cars
        o    Towed Trailers
        o    Potential pipeline expansions or retrofits as policy support grows

Market by Consumers (Regional Overview)
•    North India: Dominated by refinery clusters and fertilizer plants, with growing interest in captive hydrogen.
•    South India: Key industrial regions exploring green hydrogen for maritime, automotive hubs, and emerging clean energy corridors.
•    East India: Major focus on steel/metallurgy and heavy industries, reliant on bridging grey-to-green transitions.
•    West India: Refineries, petrochemicals, and large-scale merchant hydrogen demand, supported by robust infrastructure investment.

Trend in the Market

A notable trend is the scaling of green hydrogen production as developers leverage India’s abundant renewable resources (solar and wind) to power electrolysis. This trend accelerates the need for efficient storage (advanced tank types) and robust transport logistics, prompting manufacturers to innovate solutions that handle higher purity levels and larger volumes for both industrial and mobility applications.

Driver in the Market

Government initiatives and investments serve as a key driver. Under programs aiming to decarbonize multiple sectors, India’s public and private stakeholders allocate substantial capital to infrastructure build-outs—encompassing hydrogen production plants, transport fleets, and refueling stations. The government’s ambitious target of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030 has further catalyzed expansions in hydrogen storage and distribution, prompting faster development cycles and supply chain maturation.

Restraint in the Market

Despite promising momentum, high costs and technical uncertainties remain hurdles. Green hydrogen production methods are capital-intensive, and lack of standardized infrastructure can inflate logistics expenses. Compressed and liquid hydrogen also pose safety and handling challenges, necessitating stringent regulations, specialized equipment, and skilled personnel. This can deter smaller enterprises or industries without long-term financial commitments.

Opportunity in the Market

Hydrogen’s growing role in heavy industry and mobility presents a major opportunity. Early adopters such as steel plants, refineries, and fleet operators increasingly see hydrogen as a pathway to meet emissions targets and energy diversification goals. Companies capable of delivering comprehensive solutions such as on-site storage, mobile distribution, and fueling networks will likely secure a competitive edge as India ramps up the transition to a hydrogen-fueled economy.