The three-day International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) recently took place in New Delhi with a focus on green hydrogen ecosystem. The conference aimed to foster a systemic approach towards global decarbonisation goals through various themes.
Conference Themes
Several central themes were discussed at the conference, starting with different methods of producing green hydrogen. These include electrolysis, thermochemical and biological approaches. Furthermore, storage and distribution issues, such as compression and liquefaction, were also explored along with future possibilities like hydrogen pipelines and refueling stations.
Green Hydrogen Applications
The conference showcased the benefits and challenges of using green hydrogen in sectors such as mobility, industry, and power generation. Discussions were also held around the strategies for developing skilled manpower in the green hydrogen sectors such as engineers, technicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Green Financing and Startup Ecosystem
Various sources and mechanisms of financing green hydrogen projects were also discussed, touching upon green bonds, carbon credits, and subsidies. The role of startups was recognized as critical in innovating and disrupting the green hydrogen sector, and several successful startups in this domain were highlighted.
Understanding Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is a renewable energy form obtained by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro. It can decarbonize various sectors and contribute to global efforts against climate change. Furthermore, it can balance the intermittency of renewable energy sources by storing excess electricity and releasing it when needed.
Green Hydrogen Progress in India
India has begun setting up 3.5 million tons of green hydrogen manufacturing capacity with an aim to produce at least 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030. With the National Green Hydrogen Mission in place, India has made significant progress in advancing green hydrogen technologies.
Challenges with Green Hydrogen
High production costs and limited renewable energy capacity are major challenges associated with green hydrogen. Building a robust hydrogen infrastructure is also a challenge as the existing infrastructure for conventional hydrogen is not sufficient or compatible for green hydrogen. Water availability remains another issue as green hydrogen production requires a significant amount of water.
Way Forward
There is a need to prioritize research and development efforts to innovate in green hydrogen production, storage, and use. Policy guidelines, subsidies, and tax breaks can encourage companies to invest in this sector. Infrastructure development including hydrogen refueling stations, pipelines, and storage facilities is crucial to enable widespread adoption of green hydrogen. Large-scale demonstration projects can attract private sector investments and serve as models for future initiatives.