New Delhi: The Government of India has officially notified the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards for the country, marking a significant step toward accelerating the development and global trade of green hydrogen derivatives.
The Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards were issued on February 27, 2026, by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), reinforcing the regulatory framework supporting the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards establish emission thresholds and eligibility conditions that must be met for ammonia and methanol produced in India to be classified as “green.” Under these standards, both fuels must be produced using green hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources.
Green Ammonia Standard for India
According to the newly notified Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards, green ammonia in India must meet strict emissions criteria.
Green ammonia will be classified as such only if the total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production lifecycle remain within defined limits.
The emissions considered under the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards include those arising from green hydrogen production, ammonia synthesis, purification, compression, and on-site storage.
As per the notification, Green Ammonia shall have a total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emission of not more than 0.38 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of ammonia (kg CO₂ eq/kg NH₃). This threshold will be calculated as an average over the preceding 12-month period.
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Green Methanol Standard for India
The notification also defines the emission parameters for green methanol under the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards. These parameters consider emissions from green hydrogen production, methanol synthesis, purification, and on-site storage.
Under the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards, Green Methanol shall have a total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emission of not more than 0.44 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of methanol (kg CO₂ eq/kg CH₃OH). Similar to ammonia, the emissions will be calculated as an average over a 12-month period.
Carbon Source Eligibility for Green Methanol
The government’s notification under the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards also outlines acceptable sources of carbon dioxide used in the production of green methanol.
Carbon dioxide may be sourced from:
- Biogenic sources
- Direct Air Capture (DAC)
- Existing industrial sources
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy may revise the eligible carbon dioxide sources periodically. Any future revisions under the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards will apply prospectively, along with appropriate grandfathering provisions.
Renewable Energy Definition in Production Process
The Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards further clarify that renewable energy used in the production process may include electricity generated from renewable sources and stored through energy storage systems.
Additionally, renewable power banked with the grid in accordance with applicable regulations will also be considered valid under the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards.
Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards: Measurement, Monitoring, and Certification Framework
While announcing the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards, the government stated that detailed methodologies for measurement, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification will be issued separately by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
These mechanisms will ensure transparent implementation and compliance with the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards across the industry.
Applicability to Existing Tenders
The notification clarifies that any tender, bid process, or solicitation issued before the date of notification may continue to operate under the terms and conditions applicable at the time of issuance.
However, the procuring entity may align existing tenders with the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards, wherever feasible and with mutual consent of the concerned parties.
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Boost for India’s Green Fuel Ecosystem
The introduction of the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards provides clarity to industry participants, investors, and stakeholders involved in developing green hydrogen derivatives.
By defining emission thresholds and production criteria, the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards are expected to accelerate decarbonisation across key sectors including fertilisers, shipping, power generation, and heavy industry.
The standards will also support India’s ambition to emerge as a reliable global producer and exporter of green fuels.
With Indian developers actively targeting international markets for green hydrogen derivatives, the Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards further strengthen India’s regulatory framework under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, enabling the country to expand its footprint in the global clean energy transition.
