India has taken a significant stride towards greener energy solutions with the introduction of its National Green Hydrogen Mission. Spearheaded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the mission targets the production of five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. However, a recent study by Climate Risk Horizons (CRH) warns that without stringent regulations to mitigate fossil fuel emissions during production, this initiative might inadvertently exacerbate pollution.
The Current Dilemma in Green Hydrogen Production
The MNRE defines green hydrogen as hydrogen production that emits no more than 2 kg of carbon dioxide per kilogram of hydrogen. Interpretation issues surrounding this definition have raised questions regarding its practical application. Powering electrolysers (devices vital to green hydrogen production) round the clock would require the use of conventional coal-fired electricity during hours of darkness, potentially elevating carbon emissions.
Moreover, the majority of projects are yet to disclose their electricity sources, leaving it uncertain as to whether their commitments are being met 100% through renewable energy.
Implications of Green Hydrogen Production
Indian standards permit the use of biomass for green hydrogen production. However, burning biomass produces carbon emissions, posing a dilemma for genuine green hydrogen production. Significant renewable energy (RE) capacity is needed for green hydrogen production, but channeling a substantial portion of RE capacity could lead to a shortage of clean electricity for consumers.
This would necessitate installing renewable energy capacity worth around 125 GW, equivalent to approximately 13% of India’s present electricity generation. The potential risk lies in diverting finances from projects aimed at decarbonizing the electricity grid to green hydrogen production.
Several Indian power utilities, including Reliance Industries, Adani Group, and the National Thermal Power Corporation, have ambitious plans to ramp up their green hydrogen production. This could encourage more investment in this sector.
Significance of Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is critical for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution Targets, reinforcing regional and national energy security, access, and availability. Under the Paris Climate Agreement, India pledged to lower the emission intensity of its economy by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030. Green hydrogen can significantly aid India’s transition to clean energy and combat climate change.
Green hydrogen can also serve as an energy storage solution, which will be crucial in addressing futures intermittencies in renewable energy. For long-distance transportation, whether for urban freight movement within cities or passenger transit, green hydrogen can power railways, large ships, buses, trucks, etc.
Reducing Import Dependence through Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen can decrease India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. Localization of electrolyser production and development of green hydrogen projects can create a new green technologies market in India, potentially worth USD 18–20 billion, generating thousands of jobs.
Looking Ahead: A Better Future with Green Hydrogen
A phased manufacturing program should be implemented to build a robust hydrogen product export industry in India, including green steel production. Complementary solutions that create virtuous cycles, such as setting up hydrogen infrastructure for refueling, heating, and generating electricity at airports should be explored.
Promoting decentralized hydrogen production through open access to renewable power for electrolysers is a viable strategy. Policymakers need to facilitate investments in early-stage piloting and R&D to advance technology for use in India.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions Related to Green Hydrogen
In previous years, the UPSC Civil Services Examination has included questions related to green hydrogen. For instance, candidates were asked to consider the role of green hydrogen in decarbonizing heavy industries such as fertilizer plants, oil refineries, and steel plants. They were also asked about its potential uses, such as fuel for internal combustion, blending with natural gas for heat or power generation, and in hydrogen fuel cells to run vehicles.
A question was also posed about the exhaust produced by hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with the correct answer being water (H2O). These questions underline the increasing relevance and significance of green hydrogen in India’s energy landscape.
