Mumbai, Jan 29 (Reporter) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of the state government with seven companies for production of green hydrogen. The MoU was signed at Sahyadri guest house here, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.Among others principal secretary of Power Department Abha Shukla, chairman and managing director of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited Lokesh Chandra, director-general of Mahaurja Dr Kadambari Balakawade and company representatives were present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on green hydrogen, the state government has published "Green Hydrogen Policy-2023" as per the guidelines of central government's Green Hydrogen Mission.Under the Green Hydrogen Mission, the government aims to produce 500 ktpa of green hydrogen by 2030, he informed.For this, the state government has offered various subsidy concessions to green hydrogen developers, he said.Maharashtra has not only an industry-friendly government but also necessary infrastructure and skilledmanpower, attracting investments in the state on a large scale, he said. Taking into consideration the need of green hydrogen in today's era, the state government has signed MoUs with various companies for seven projects with a financial investment of Rs 2,76,300 crore in Maharashtra, said the Chief Minister.Through this, 64,000 jobs will be created, he said. The aim of the government is to make Maharashtra a leader in green hydrogen ecosystem, added Shinde.Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis said that PM Modi has set a target of decarbonisation by 2030 and Maharashtra is the first state to have an effective policy regarding green hydrogen.Accordingly, progress is being made and green hydrogen is such a technology that it will be possible to generate energy while maintaining the balance of environment, he added...////...