Indo-Norwegian Knowledge Book on Green Hydrogen

Overview

“Self Reliant India – Harnessing the Power of Hydrogen”, was the first ever Indo-Norwegian knowledge collaboration on Green Hydrogen, and was conceptualised, designed & developed against the backdrop of the International Climate Summit 2021, held in New Delhi, India. It was commissioned by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), and supported by Invest India, the national investment promotion and facilitation agency in India. Innovation Norway, the Norwegian government’s agency for development of enterprises and industry was the Knowledge Partner. Norway was the Country Partner. 

Project Goals

The Knowledge Book was one of the first comprehensive resources to be published on India’s Green Hydrogen potential. The aim was to highlight:

1. the potential benefits of using hydrogen as an energy carrier that can be produced from all energy sources in the context of India’s ambitions for increased growth in renewables
2. the national road map for hydrogen that supports a stronger and faster energy transition
3. the Indian government’s willingness to take a lead role in combating climate change

The book aligns with India’s call for self-reliance in energy needs in the coming decades. It also highlights the opportunity for India to become a global hub for clean energy through cooperation and collaboration.

Key Deliverables

The document provides an overview of India’s current energy landscape and challenges in renewable energy adoption, transitioning to the exploration of hydrogen as a key solution. It provides insights into hydrogen’s market segments, emphasising sector coupling for cost efficiency. The book covers technologies, readiness levels, safety, and regulations in depth. Concluding with a proposed roadmap for India, it underscores the need for a collaborative alliance among industries, academia, R&D institutes, and the government to establish hydrogen as a future fuel. The support for an International Hydrogen Alliance is advocated, drawing parallels with the success of the International Solar Alliance.

Our Approach

We collaborated closely with our advisory partner SSARMA Consults on this project. The approach towards designing this publication entailed coordinating with multiple teams across time zones to present a complex set of scientific data aesthetically through art & design. The book design combines Indo-Norwegian art, design & graphic elements to reflect the character of both countries, while remaining true to purpose. Combining tradition with modernity, the design language juxtaposes the subtle use of Mandala art with nature inspired abstracts and a distinct Nordic colour palette, bringing to life the essence of the subject. The four cover images capture the natural landscape across North, South, East & Western India. The imagery reflects the abundant presence of sun & water in the region, making it ideally suited for harnessing the power of hydrogen. The Mandala art form symbolises the universe in its entirety, its energy, the never-ending circle of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The use of Mandala art is a metaphor for the urgency of climate change, the need for us to act sustainably, and a reminder of the transient nature of material life. By combining modern minimal Nordic-inspired design tones with classic India-inspired elements, this book reflects the collaborative future between the two countries that is heralded by the onset of a new form of clean energy. The design approach involved a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the subject, defining core themes, visualising art, presenting information in a logical flow, and integrating multiple content threads into a cohesive document. The book was structured to culminate in a forward-looking section, proposing a roadmap for India’s hydrogen adoption. Visual and textual elements were carefully curated to enhance clarity and engagement. The overall design prioritised coherence, accessibility, and a user-friendly experience, and was highly appreciated by stakeholders and global audiences alike.

Result

The Knowledge Book was the result of over six months of dedicated work involving our teams based in India and the Netherlands, in collaboration with Norwegian and Indian scholars, scientists, and domain experts. It was released by Central Ministers of the Indian Government and the Ambassador of Norway to India, at the International Climate Summit 2021.