The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken a significant step towards advancing India’s renewable energy agenda by introducing the green hydrogen standard. This standard outlines the emission thresholds that hydrogen production must meet to be classified as ‘green’, signifying its environmental sustainability. Through this initiative, India aims to promote the utilization of hydrogen gas derived from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which generate minimal to no greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The MNRE’s notification not only defines the criteria for green hydrogen but also paves the way for measuring, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen, often referred to as the cleanest form of hydrogen, is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is produced using electricity from fossil fuels and accounts for the majority of hydrogen production globally, green hydrogen offers a sustainable alternative. While hydrogen combustion itself emits no GHGs, the electricity used in its production process can be sourced from fossil fuels. Grey hydrogen, therefore, carries a carbon footprint linked to the energy source used in its creation. On the other hand, blue hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels but employs carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to mitigate GHG emissions.
Applications of Green Hydrogen
The widespread adoption of green hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize various industries. Presently, the majority of hydrogen usage is concentrated in refining and industrial sectors, primarily for ammonia production and steel manufacturing. However, in economies like India, which are embracing ambitious plans like the National Hydrogen Mission, green hydrogen can serve multiple purposes. It can be utilized in transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. As the International Energy Agency (IEA) envisions, the utility of hydrogen is expected to expand, including applications in grid power, building infrastructure, and transportation by the end of the decade.
Key Highlights of India’s Green Hydrogen Standard
The newly defined green hydrogen standard for India brings clarity and direction to the nation’s renewable energy aspirations. The standard states that green hydrogen should have a well-to-gate emission not exceeding two kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per kg of hydrogen (H2). This holistic emission measurement encompasses various stages, including water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying, and hydrogen compression. Remarkably, this comprehensive definition covers both electrolysis-based and biomass-based hydrogen production techniques.
Role of BEE
The notification establishes the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power as the nodal authority responsible for accrediting agencies involved in monitoring, verification, and certification of green hydrogen projects. By assigning this pivotal role to BEE, the MNRE ensures robust oversight and adherence to the established emission standards. This accreditation mechanism contributes to the credibility and transparency of green hydrogen production processes in India.
India’s Leadership in the Green Hydrogen Race
India’s commitment to greener energy sources is underscored by the launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023. This ambitious mission aims to annually produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen with a concurrent renewable energy capacity of approximately 125 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. The mission’s budget of Rs 19,744 crore up to 2029-30 emphasizes the government’s dedication to this cause. A substantial component of the mission, the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program, is allocated Rs 17,490 crore. SIGHT introduces strategic financial incentives to accelerate the production of electrolysers and green hydrogen, fostering technology development, scalability, and cost reduction.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How does the green hydrogen standard address the challenges posed by grey and blue hydrogen production methods?
- What key industries stand to benefit the most from the adoption of green hydrogen, particularly in the context of India’s National Hydrogen Mission?
- How does the involvement of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) enhance the credibility and transparency of green hydrogen production processes?
- In what ways does the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global green hydrogen hub?
