The Union Government has recently established a Task Force and Expert Committee with a mandate to develop a road map for coal-based hydrogen production, also known as Black Hydrogen. This is in efforts to streamline coordination with the Coal Gasification Mission and NITI Aayog.
About Coal-Based Hydrogen Production
Hydrocarbon fuels such as coal are significant sources of hydrogen, alongside natural gas and renewable energy generated via electrolysis. However, due to the associated carbon emissions when extracting hydrogen from coal, its use has not been as widespread. Currently, almost 100% of India’s hydrogen is produced from natural gas, generating Grey Hydrogen.
The advantage of sourcing hydrogen from coal lies in its cost-effectiveness and reduced dependence on imports. However, this method poses challenges such as high emission rates, which necessitates the critical role of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). During the coal to hydrogen process, it is essential to capture and store the resultant carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in an environmentally sustainable manner through Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and CCUS.
The Concept of a Hydrogen Economy
A Hydrogen Economy uses hydrogen as the commercial fuel supplying a significant portion of a country’s energy and services. As a zero-carbon fuel, hydrogen presents an alternative to conventional fuel and is a valuable source of clean energy. It can be derived from renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
In this envisioned future, hydrogen serves as fuel for vehicles, energy storage, and facilitates long-distance energy transport. The different pathways of a hydrogen economy encompass hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization. John Bockris coined the term ‘Hydrogen Economy’ in 1970, positing that it could replace the current hydrocarbon-based economy, thus contributing to a cleaner environment.
Current Global Hydrogen Scenario
Currently, the global demand for hydrogen stands at 70 million metric tons. The majority of this demand is fulfilled by fossil fuels, with 76% sourced from natural gas and 23% from coal. The remaining hydrogen is derived from the electrolysis of water. This production consumes 6% of global natural gas and 2% of global coal supply, resulting in CO2 emissions of roughly 830 Mt/year. Only a fraction of this emission (130 Mt/year) is captured and utilized in the fertilizer industry.
Contemporary usage of hydrogen focuses on oil refining (33%), ammonia (27%), methanol production (11%), steel production (3%), among other applications.
Related Hydrogen Initiatives
Several initiatives related to hydrogen production and utilization are underway. These include the National Hydrogen Energy Mission, Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Based Vehicles, and the Green Hydrogen Mobility project. These initiatives aim to explore and encourage the practical application of hydrogen as a viable source of energy.
