India’s Green Hydrogen Mission and Water Challenges

India’s green hydrogen ambition has gained momentum in 2025 as a key pillar of its clean energy transition. The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce five million tonnes annually by 2030. This mission supports decarbonisation across industries, transport, and refineries. However, the large water demand for hydrogen production poses challenge amid India’s water scarcity crisis.

Green Hydrogen and India’s Climate Goals

Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. It emits no carbon, making it ideal for reducing industrial pollution. India targets five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This aligns with the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its push for net zero emissions. Hydrogen valleys and electrolyser manufacturing hubs are planned to support this scale.

Water-Energy Paradox in Hydrogen Production

Producing one kilogram of hydrogen requires nearly nine litres of purified water. Additional water is needed for cooling and purification. India already extracts 25% of the world’s groundwater. Aquifers in many states are depleting rapidly due to agriculture and overuse. States with high solar potential like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu face severe water stress. This raises concerns about sustainable hydrogen production without worsening water scarcity.

Geographical and Industrial Implications

Hydrogen plants are emerging across India’s coastlines and inland areas, including Kandla, Kutch, Gorakhpur, Bikaner, and Thoothukudi. Producing six million tonnes of hydrogen could consume 132–192 million tonnes of water yearly, comparable to the drinking water needs of major cities. Inland plants relying on groundwater risk exacerbating water depletion. Coastal plants have the advantage of access to seawater but require technology to handle saltwater electrolysis.

Innovations in Seawater Electrolysis

Global projects in Scotland, Australia, Singapore, Norway, and France have demonstrated seawater electrolysis powered by offshore renewables. India is exploring low-cost, corrosion-resistant bimetallic catalysts to enable alkaline seawater electrolysis. A recent breakthrough replaces expensive metallic electrodes with non-metallic alternatives, reducing costs and corrosion risks. This innovation could allow India to produce green hydrogen sustainably along its vast coastlines.

Policy and Planning for Sustainable Hydrogen

Effective coordination between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Jal Shakti is essential. Hydrological budgeting and water-use audits will help balance hydrogen production with water conservation. Incentives for using treated wastewater and seawater instead of freshwater are critical. Coastal ports like Kandla, Paradip, and Thoothukudi could serve as green ammonia export hubs. Inland plants should prioritise recycled water to reduce groundwater stress.

Balancing Industrial Growth and Resource Conservation

India’s green hydrogen mission represents a convergence of industrial growth, climate action, and geopolitical strategy. However, ignoring water constraints risks replacing carbon scarcity with water scarcity. Smart siting, innovative technology, and integrated water-energy policies are key to a sustainable hydrogen future.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the role of renewable energy in India’s decarbonisation strategy and the challenges posed by resource constraints.
2. Critically examine the water-energy nexus in the context of India’s green hydrogen production and its implications for sustainable development.
3. Explain the significance of technological innovations in seawater electrolysis and their potential impact on India’s energy security and environmental sustainability.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of integrated policy frameworks in balancing industrial growth and natural resource conservation in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the role of renewable energy in India’s decarbonisation strategy and the challenges posed by resource constraints.

1. Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) is central to India’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
2. Green hydrogen produced via renewable-powered electrolysis supports decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors (industry, transport, refineries).
3. India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission targets 5 million tonnes annually by 2030 to reduce carbon footprint.
4. Resource constraints include water scarcity, land availability, and grid integration challenges.
5. Water demand for electrolysis (~9 litres/kg H2) conflicts with India’s stressed groundwater reserves.
6. Balancing renewable capacity expansion with sustainable resource use is critical for long-term success.

2. Critically examine the water-energy nexus in the context of India’s green hydrogen production and its implications for sustainable development.

1. Green hydrogen production requires purified water, intensifying water-energy interdependence.
2. India extracts 25% of global groundwater; many aquifers face depletion due to agriculture and industry.
3. States with high solar potential (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu) also suffer from severe water stress.
4. Large-scale hydrogen production risks exacerbating water scarcity, threatening livelihoods and ecosystems.
5. Use of seawater and treated wastewater can mitigate freshwater demand but requires technological innovation.
6. Integrating water-use audits and hydrological budgeting is essential for sustainable hydrogen growth.

3. Explain the significance of technological innovations in seawater electrolysis and their potential impact on India’s energy security and environmental sustainability.

1. Seawater electrolysis reduces reliance on scarce freshwater resources, addressing water-energy paradox.
2. Innovations like corrosion-resistant bimetallic catalysts and non-metallic electrodes lower costs and increase durability.
3. Global examples (Scotland, Australia, Singapore) show feasibility of offshore renewable-powered seawater hydrogen production.
4. Enables India to leverage vast coastline for sustainable green hydrogen hubs and export green ammonia.
5. Promotes energy security by diversifying hydrogen production sources and reducing import dependence.
6. Supports environmental sustainability by minimizing freshwater extraction and carbon emissions.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of integrated policy frameworks in balancing industrial growth and natural resource conservation in India.

1. Coordination between MNRE (energy) and Jal Shakti (water) ministries ensures balanced planning and resource allocation.
2. Hydrological budgeting and water-use audits help monitor and optimize water consumption in hydrogen plants.
3. Incentives for using seawater and treated wastewater reduce pressure on freshwater resources.
4. Ports like Kandla, Paradip, and Thoothukudi can become green hydrogen and ammonia export hubs, boosting industrial growth.
5. Inland hydrogen plants should prioritize recycled water to prevent groundwater depletion (e.g., Hisar, Baddi).
6. Integrated policy frameworks enable sustainable industrialization while conserving critical natural resources.