India's Numaligarh Refinery extends key green hydrogen tender date amid Assam policy uncertainty

According to a tender document from India's Numaligarh Refinery Ltd, the deadline for bids on its green hydrogen project for Assam has been extended by two weeks. This comes as uncertainty surrounds the state's flagship policy for clean energy.

NRL, which is owned by Oil India's explorer, has moved the deadline for submitting bids from July 23 to August 6, without giving any reason, according to a document seen by.

Reports last week revealed that Assam, a state in northeastern India, had suspended its green hydrogen policies, shocking investors who already faced reduced incentives for renewable projects.

Sources had reported that the delay has caused companies to reassess investment plans in the region, which has historically lagged in adopting clean energy.

Last week, Harit Molecules Foundation (HMF), an industry body representing green hydrogen project developers in India, wrote to NRL seeking an extension to submit bids for NRL's 10,000-metric-tonnes-per annum green hydrogen generation project at the Assam refinery, per an email seen by .

The HMF requested the extension, citing the lack of clarity regarding incentives applicable to the projects and the complexity of the project.

NRL and Harit Molecules Foundation have not responded to any requests for comments.

NRL announced the green hydrogen tender last year. It is one of the most popular tenders in the country for promoting clean energy adoption.

Green hydrogen produced with renewable electricity is seen as an important tool for decarbonising heavy industry and transport.

Assam announced in February several incentives for clean energy investment in the state. However, in June it drastically reduced transmission subsidies and increased banks guarantees without providing any reasons.

Multiple sources in the industry and the government had said that a new policy on green hydrogen would be released by the end of July.

(source: Reuters)