Japanese Delegation Wraps Up Productive Three-Day Visit to Lucknow
A high-level Japanese delegation from Yamanashi Prefecture has successfully concluded its three-day visit to Lucknow, focusing on exploring substantial investment and collaboration opportunities across several key sectors in Uttar Pradesh. The visit, meticulously coordinated by Invest UP, aimed to strengthen economic ties between Yamanashi Prefecture and Uttar Pradesh while deepening the broader India-Japan partnership.
Site Visit to Pioneering Green Hydrogen Plant Project
The delegation's itinerary culminated with an insightful site visit to the pilot project of an upcoming green hydrogen plant located in western Uttar Pradesh. This visit provided the Japanese officials with firsthand exposure to the state's ambitious green energy initiatives and infrastructure development plans.
Following the site inspection, the delegation engaged in detailed discussions with Alok Kumar, the Additional Chief Secretary of Industries and Infrastructure Development. Kumar emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating, "The project envisages a proposed investment of Rs 1,000 crore and marks a significant step towards strengthening green energy infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. It also reflects our shared commitment to sustainable development and clean energy for the future."
High-Level Meetings and Strategic Discussions
The Japanese group, led by Deputy Governor Junichi Ishidera, also held significant meetings at Invest UP headquarters earlier during their visit. These sessions were chaired by Deepak Kumar, the Industries and Infrastructure Development Commissioner, who led comprehensive discussions with the delegation on potential areas of cooperation.
An official spokesperson revealed that under the proposed collaboration framework, there are concrete plans to establish two Centres of Excellence dedicated to green hydrogen technology. These centers will operate under the provisions of the UP Green Hydrogen Policy–2024 and will focus on multiple critical areas:
- Advanced research and innovation in green hydrogen technologies
- Skill development programs for technical workforce
- Indigenous manufacturing capabilities enhancement
Establishment of Dual Centres of Excellence
The proposed Centres of Excellence will be strategically located at premier educational institutions across Uttar Pradesh. The first center is planned at Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU) in Kanpur, which will collaborate closely with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The second center is slated for Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT) in Gorakhpur, partnering with IIT (BHU) Varanasi.
This dual-center approach aims to create a robust ecosystem for green hydrogen research and development while leveraging the academic excellence and technical expertise of these renowned institutions.
Broadening the Scope of India-Japan Cooperation
The visit was strategically designed to expand the horizons of India-Japan cooperation beyond traditional sectors. While green hydrogen and renewable energy formed the core focus areas, the discussions also encompassed several other promising domains:
- Infrastructure development projects
- Tourism promotion and cultural exchanges
- Hospitality industry collaborations
- Technology transfer initiatives
The successful conclusion of this visit marks a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh's efforts to attract foreign investment and technological expertise in sustainable energy sectors. It demonstrates the state government's proactive approach to building international partnerships that align with global sustainability goals while fostering economic growth and technological advancement within the region.
The collaboration between Yamanashi Prefecture and Uttar Pradesh is expected to create new avenues for knowledge exchange, create employment opportunities, and position Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for green energy innovation in India. This initiative represents a forward-looking approach to international cooperation that balances economic development with environmental sustainability.
