What is green hydrogen?
When electrolysis takes place, water gets split into hydrogen and oxygen by using renewable energy sources like solar power or wind power. As per the Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Green hydrogen should have well-to-gate emissions (encompassing water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying, and compression of hydrogen) not exceeding 2 kg Carbon Dioxide equivalent per kg Hydrogen. In contrast, grey hydrogen (produced using fossil fuels), on average, emits 10 kg of Carbon Dioxide per kg of Hydrogen produced. Here we have discussed Initiatives, Significance, and Challenges of green hydrogen in India
Initiatives taken in the past for Green Hydrogen
- Eastern Assam’s Jorhat got India’s first 99% pure green hydrogen plant with the help of Oil India Limited (OIL).
- Kawas, Surat got India’s first green hydrogen, with the help of NTPC, blending operation in the piped natural gas.
- 5% blending of green hydrogen with piped natural gas is approved by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.
- Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has collaborated with a business management consultant
- Under the waste to hydrogen project, The Green Billions (TGBL) will manage its waste in generating usable green hydrogen.
- Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) to mobilise finance and speed up green energy development
- In September 2023, the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas inaugurated India’s green hydrogen fuel cell bus in Delhi.
Significance of Green Hydrogen Energy
Emission reduction: As per the IEA (International Energy Agency), methods of green hydrogen production would save around 830 million tonnes of carbon dioxide that is emitted every year when hydrogen is produced by using fossil fuels.
Viable alternative: If the production cost of hydrogen is reduced by 50
% by 2030, then it can become a future fuel. Also, it can be used for other purposes, as it can be stored and used later.
Energy Security and Independence: Green hydrogen fosters energy independence because fossil fuels, which we are using today, are not abundant and also vulnerable to climate uncertainties.
Creating New Industries and Jobs: As per IRNEA, 11 million people are currently working in the green sector, which will increase to over 42 million by 2050.
Decarbonizing Difficult-to-Decarbonize Sectors: Heavy industries and the aviation sector, which are harder to decarbonize, can get immense benefits from the green hydrogen substitution. This helps mitigate their significant carbon emissions.
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Applications of Green Hydrogen in India
Agriculture sector
(a) Green hydrogen can replace traditional fertilisers in agriculture by producing carbon-free ammonia.
(b) Green ammonia has better efficiency and does not acidify soil as much as current ammonia does, which relies on fossil fuels.
(c) Machines like tractors and harvesters, which run on green hydrogen, have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector.
Water management
(a) Green hydrogen can power desalination plants, converting saltwater into freshwater for sustainable water management
Transport sector
(a) Hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles produce zero emissions and offer a longer range and faster refuelling compared to battery electric vehicles.
Industrial sector
(a) Green hydrogen production using excess renewable energy can reduce energy costs and promote sustainable development.
(b) Green hydrogen production from waste materials like municipal solid waste and agricultural waste can reduce waste and promote sustainability.
(c) Its usage in fuel cells increases energy efficiency when compared to the traditional combustion engine, eventually reducing overall energy consumption.
Challenges in the production
Energy Inefficient: A Loss of 30% of renewable energy takes place while producing it.
Carbon Emissions: The Methods that we are using at present involve fossil fuels with high carbon emissions.
Low Adoption: Hydrogen adoption with low emissions in various sectors of the economy is very slow.
Economic Sustainability: Low economic sustainability of extracting green hydrogen. When it comes to transportation fuel, green hydrogen is far better(cost-efficient) than conventional fuels and tech on a per-mile basis.
Safety Issues: It is highly flammable in nature, due to which it requires specialised handling and storage. Also, to ensure safe management, safety protocols and regulations are essential.
Government Initiatives for Bio and Green Hydrogen in India
National Hydrogen Mission: Targeting a production increase to 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, meeting 40% of domestic requirements
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Proposing a Rs 15,000-crore PLI scheme for electrolysers.
Green hydrogen mission: Development of Green Hydrogen Production Capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum; Renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country by 2030.
Renewable Energy Integration: To improve efficiency and sustainability, the integration of green hydrogen production with India’s expanding renewable energy is a must.
Way forward:
Reduce Production Cost: Develop efficient technologies for electrolysis. Integrate green hydrogen production with renewable energy.
Implement Regulatory Incentives: For promoting its adoption, initiatives like tax credits and subsidies on its production should be there.
Improve Infrastructure: Establish dedicated infrastructure and supply chains. Develop efficient and cost-effective supply chains.
Coordinate Among Stakeholders: It is essential to ensure that the policies, regulations, and standards are in line.
Raise Awareness and Capacity: Educate and aware its users and producers about its potential benefits. Demonstrate safety and feasibility in various sectors.
Develop skills and competencies for production and utilization.
Conclusion
India’s approach to integrating green hydrogen into its energy system is multi-dimensional. It involves enhancing production capabilities, building out infrastructure, establishing robust regulatory frameworks, and offering market incentives to encourage adoption. By aligning these elements, India can effectively transition to a low-carbon economy, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and positioning itself as a leader in the emerging global hydrogen economy.