India’s ambitions to become a global hub for green hydrogen received a major boost on Wednesday as ACME Cleantech Solutions Private Limited (ACME Group) signed landmark long-term export agreements with two leading Japanese companies for the supply of green ammonia and green methanol. The deals, announced under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), are being seen as a significant validation of India’s growing clean energy ecosystem and its ability to emerge as a reliable supplier of low-carbon fuels to international markets.
The agreements were formalised during a ceremony held at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), representatives of the Japanese government and executives from ACME Group, IHI Corporation and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC).
The development marks one of the largest green fuel export commitments secured by an Indian company to date and signals increasing international confidence in India’s green hydrogen sector.
National Green Hydrogen Mission Begins Delivering Results
The agreements represent a significant milestone for the National Green Hydrogen Mission, one of the flagship initiatives launched by the Government of India to accelerate the country’s transition towards clean energy and establish leadership in emerging green fuel technologies.
Approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2023 with a financial outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the mission aims to transform India into a global centre for the production, utilisation and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. The programme seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, lower carbon emissions, create new industrial opportunities and position India as a key player in the future global energy market.
A critical component of the mission is the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, which provides financial incentives to support domestic production through a competitive bidding process administered by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
ACME Group emerged as one of the major beneficiaries of the programme, securing production capacity allocations of 3,70,000 tonnes per annum under the SIGHT scheme. These allocations have now enabled the company to enter into large-scale international supply agreements, demonstrating the commercial viability of India’s green hydrogen ecosystem.
Government officials view the agreements as proof that the policy framework established under the National Green Hydrogen Mission is beginning to translate into tangible economic and strategic outcomes.
Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi, India’s #GreenHydrogen Mission continues to achieve new milestones.
The landmark signing of offtake agreements by ACME with Japan’s IHI Corporation and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical marks a significant step… pic.twitter.com/auNmHkuBuK
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) July 2, 2026
Major Green Ammonia Export Agreement with Japan
Among the most significant announcements was ACME’s long-term agreement with Japan’s IHI Corporation for the supply of green ammonia.
Under the arrangement, ACME will supply 4,05,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, making it one of the largest such export commitments between India and Japan.
Green ammonia is increasingly being viewed as a crucial fuel in the global energy transition. Produced using green hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources, it offers a low-carbon alternative to conventional ammonia and can be used in power generation, shipping and industrial processes.
The agreement gains additional importance because it is supported by Japan’s Contract for Difference (CfD) subsidy mechanism for low-carbon ammonia. Administered by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the scheme provides financial support to Japanese importers of clean fuels, helping bridge the cost gap between conventional and low-carbon alternatives.
The subsidy framework enhances the long-term commercial viability of green ammonia imports and provides greater certainty to both producers and buyers.
Industry experts believe the arrangement demonstrates how international policy mechanisms and market incentives are beginning to align with clean energy production capacities emerging in countries such as India.
Green Methanol Deal Strengthens India’s Clean Fuel Exports
Alongside the ammonia agreement, ACME also signed a 10-year contract with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company for the supply of 1,00,000 tonnes of green methanol annually.
The green methanol will be produced at ACME’s facility in Paradip and supplied to support Japan’s clean energy transition and industrial decarbonisation efforts.
Green methanol is increasingly attracting global attention because of its role in reducing emissions in shipping and heavy industries. As international regulations become stricter, shipping companies and industrial consumers are seeking cleaner fuel alternatives capable of helping them meet carbon reduction targets.
The ACME-MGC project has been designed to comply with European Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) requirements as well as standards established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for cleaner marine fuels.
Compliance with these global standards is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Indian-produced green fuels in international markets while opening new export opportunities in Europe and Asia.
The agreement also reflects growing confidence among global buyers in India’s ability to deliver large volumes of certified low-carbon fuels over extended periods.
India Emerging as a Reliable Global Supplier
The significance of the agreements extends beyond the immediate commercial benefits.
Energy analysts note that one of the biggest challenges facing the global green hydrogen industry has been the creation of long-term demand. While governments around the world have announced ambitious production targets, investors have often sought greater clarity regarding future buyers and market opportunities.
The ACME agreements address this concern by establishing assured demand from major international customers. Such long-term contracts improve investor confidence, facilitate financing and encourage further investments across the green hydrogen value chain.
The deals also demonstrate that Indian companies are moving beyond pilot projects and entering the stage of commercially viable large-scale production and exports.
Officials believe this transition is critical if India is to realise its ambition of becoming one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of green hydrogen and related fuels.
Government Sees Validation of Policy Framework
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi welcomed the development and described it as a reflection of growing international confidence in India’s green hydrogen ecosystem.
He said Japan’s decision to extend Contract for Difference subsidy support to the ACME-IHI project highlights India’s emergence as a trusted partner in the global clean energy transition.
According to the minister, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is creating a robust ecosystem capable of attracting investments, fostering international partnerships and opening new markets for Indian-produced green fuels.
Government officials argue that such agreements validate the strategic direction of India’s clean energy policies and demonstrate the effectiveness of public support mechanisms designed to accelerate industry growth.
Creating International Green Fuel Value Chains
Speaking at the event, MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi highlighted the broader implications of the agreements for India’s clean energy ambitions.
He noted that the deals have achieved three major outcomes. First, they have established a concrete market linkage between India and Japan for green ammonia and green methanol. Second, they demonstrate that India’s green hydrogen sector is maturing commercially and gaining acceptance among international buyers. Third, they contribute to the development of international green hydrogen and green ammonia value chains.
The emergence of such value chains is considered essential for the success of the global energy transition.
Unlike traditional energy systems built around fossil fuels, future clean energy networks are expected to involve international trade in green hydrogen, ammonia and synthetic fuels. Countries with abundant renewable energy resources, such as India, are likely to become major producers, while industrial economies with high energy demand may become key importers.
The ACME agreements offer a glimpse into how these future supply chains could operate.
India-Japan Energy Partnership Deepens
The agreements also represent another important chapter in the expanding strategic partnership between India and Japan.
Over the past decade, the two countries have significantly strengthened cooperation in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, energy and climate action. Clean energy has emerged as a particularly important area of collaboration as both nations pursue ambitious decarbonisation goals.
Addressing the event, Takehiko Matsuo, Vice Minister at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, described the agreements as a flagship outcome of deepening India-Japan cooperation in clean energy.
For Japan, securing reliable imports of low-carbon fuels is critical to achieving its climate commitments and strengthening long-term energy security. The country faces geographical constraints that limit large-scale renewable energy expansion, making international partnerships an essential component of its energy strategy.
India, with its vast renewable energy potential and rapidly expanding clean energy infrastructure, is increasingly being viewed as a dependable partner in meeting these requirements.
Economic Opportunities Beyond Energy
The significance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission extends well beyond environmental benefits.
Government estimates suggest that the sector has the potential to attract billions of dollars in investments, create large-scale employment opportunities and stimulate growth across multiple industries, including renewable energy, manufacturing, engineering, logistics and exports.
As production capacities expand, demand for equipment, electrolyser manufacturing, storage infrastructure, transportation networks and specialised services is also expected to rise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised that India’s green hydrogen strategy is aimed at creating an entire industrial ecosystem rather than isolated projects. Officials believe export agreements such as those signed by ACME are an early indication of the economic opportunities that could emerge as the sector scales up.
The success of such projects could also encourage more domestic and international companies to invest in India’s green hydrogen landscape.
Major Milestone in India’s Clean Energy Journey
The agreements signed by ACME Group with IHI Corporation and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company represent more than commercial contracts. They are a signal that India’s green hydrogen ambitions are beginning to translate into global business opportunities.
By securing long-term international buyers for green ammonia and green methanol, India has taken an important step towards establishing itself as a credible supplier in the emerging low-carbon economy. The deals strengthen investor confidence, deepen strategic ties with Japan and reinforce the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
As countries around the world search for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, India’s ability to combine renewable energy resources, policy support and industrial capability is positioning it as a significant player in the global clean energy transition. The ACME agreements mark an important milestone on that journey and the growing role India is set to play in shaping the future of green fuels worldwide.
