Introduction to The National Green Hydrogen Mission:
The Indian government approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission on January 4, 2022. Its main goal is to make India a global leader in producing, using, and exporting green hydrogen and its products. This mission aims to speed up the use of green hydrogen as a clean energy source, helping India become more self-reliant through clean energy. It also aims to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuel imports and make India a leader in green hydrogen technology and markets. The mission will encourage people to use, make, and sell green hydrogen. The government will ask specific users to use a bit of green hydrogen or its related products as energy or materials. The exact targets for this will be set by a special group. By 2030, the mission aims to achieve a yearly production capacity of at least 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen, attract over Rs. 8 trillion in investments, create over 600,000 jobs, reduce fossil fuel imports by over Rs. 1 trillion, and cut 50 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
National Green Hydrogen Mission: Understanding Green Hydrogen
People make green hydrogen by using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When they use renewable energy like wind or solar power for this, they call it green hydrogen. It’s a clean fuel with no pollution and is important for making the economy more friendly. We can use green hydrogen as both energy and material. It has the potential to replace fossil fuels and also serve as an energy storage solution.
Green hydrogen plays a big part in making the economy cleaner. It’s considered important for cutting down on greenhouse gases and moving towards cleaner energy. As we shift to new energy sources, green hydrogen will be a big player in the future.
Unlike green hydrogen, there are other kinds like grey, blue, pink, and yellow hydrogen. They’re made in various ways and might not be as good for the environment as green hydrogen. For example, companies produce blue hydrogen from natural gas by capturing carbon, while they make grey hydrogen without capturing carbon. These types of hydrogen aren’t as clean as green hydrogen.
In general, people think green hydrogen is important for moving towards an economy with less carbon. People expect to make and use more green hydrogen in the future.
Importance of Hydrogen in The Energy Sector:
Hydrogen is getting a lot of attention as a clean and sustainable energy source that could help tackle different energy problems. When it’s used in fuel cell cars, it can make our energy supply more secure, save oil, and cut down on greenhouse gases. The International Energy Agency (IEA) stresses how hydrogen helps clean up industries such as long-distance transport, chemicals, and power. Hydrogen is flexible, packs a lot of energy, and doesn’t make any harmful pollution or greenhouse gases . That’s why it’s seen as a good option for switching to cleaner energy. It’s used in lots of ways, like powering vehicles, making electricity, and heating homes and businesses. Plus, we can make hydrogen from different sources at home, like natural gas, coal, solar power, wind, and plants. Because it hardly releases any greenhouse gases, it’s a great asset for building a greener energy system. But to make the most of hydrogen, we need to invest a lot and make more of it to lower costs and get more people using it. People view hydrogen as vital for a cleaner, greener energy future due to its versatility across industries.
India's Commitment to Green Hydrogen:
India has committed to producing green hydrogen as part of its plan to achieve energy independence and zero emissions. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, given the green light by the Union Cabinet in January 2022, aims to make India a top player in green hydrogen worldwide. It wants to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels and bring in investment and business opportunities. By 2030, the mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen . The projected outcomes include huge investments, lots of new jobs, and a big drop in fossil fuel imports. India wants to be a global center for making, using, and selling green hydrogen. This fits with its goal of self-reliance through clean energy and cleaning up the economy. The government wants to create opportunities to sell green hydrogen abroad, need certain users to use a bit of it, and set rules for certifying it. India aims to cut green hydrogen production costs by using its land for renewable energy and skilled workers. The country is advancing as a frontrunner in the green hydrogen sector. Many companies committing to projects for producing green hydrogen and the required equipment.
Technological Innovations and Advancements:
Hydrogen Carriers and Storage:
- People are coming up with new ways to store and move hydrogen around. They’re working on tiny carriers made using nanotechnology and trying out mixtures of hydrogen. Also, they’re thinking about using ammonia to carry hydrogen, which could help solve the problems of moving and storing it.
Renewable Energy Integration:Â
- The ability to grow and make renewable energy systems cheaper is helping produce hydrogen in a sustainable way. Using renewable electricity to extract hydrogen from steam and blending renewable energy with electrolysis are significant advancements.
Electrolysis:
- Improved electrolysis methods like alkaline electrolyzers, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are producing green hydrogen using renewable electricity. Experts say that these new electrolysis methods will be important for making clean hydrogen for the market.
Fuel Cell Technology:Â
- People are giving a lot of attention to improving fuel cell technology, which is necessary for using green hydrogen. People are creating fuel cells for different uses, like fueling cars, and making sure the hydrogen is pure for better power generation.
Policy and Funding:
- Government policies, like the Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit in the US, drive innovation in clean hydrogen. These efforts aim to increase demand and production of green hydrogen, making it a more competitive and sustainable fuel option.
These changes show a bigger focus on cutting carbon and moving to cleaner energy, with green hydrogen being key.
Policy and Regulatory Framework:
India’s policies aim to make it a global green hydrogen hub. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved on January 4, 2022, sets this goal. It wants to cut reliance on imported fuels, boost local manufacturing, draw investment, create jobs, and back R&D.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is crafting rules for green hydrogen certification. The government will mandate a small use of green hydrogen by certain consumers. States are also pitching in with policies, and the central government is addressing industry challenges.
Challenges and Opportunities:
In India, making green hydrogen has its challenges and chances. It’s costly and lacks enough infrastructure. But India can cut costs using cheap renewable energy and its experience in saving money. Also, it needs more places to make, store, and send out hydrogen. Getting key minerals like nickel and platinum can also slow down making electrolyzers. On the upside, India has big plans for renewable energy and lots of sun and wind power, making it ready for the green hydrogen wave. India’s National Hydrogen Mission aims to develop a hydrogen system with production, storage, and distribution facilities. While also promoting research and development in hydrogen technology. Policymakers and investors aid by boosting green hydrogen investments and assessing risks. Showcasing the environmental and social advantages of green hydrogen projects. They can also talk to big investors and companies to get them interested in green hydrogen projects.
Role of Public-Private Partnerships:
Public-private partnerships are important for growing the green hydrogen industry in India. They can aid the country’s recovery, create new growth methods, and set up national green hydrogen centers. India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to lead in producing, using, and selling green hydrogen to cut down on dirty fuels. It stresses the need to partner with private companies for research and development, which the mission will back. If we all team up on green hydrogen projects, we can all share the risks and rewards, which will help India lead in green hydrogen. It’s important for the government to fund national hubs to help them succeed. The government is a key supporter of these partnerships.
Case Studies and Success Stories:
Jamnagar Refinery:
An analysis by CEEW of the Jamnagar refinery in western India found that electrolysers accounted for 45% of green hydrogen production costs. Highlighting a strong emphasis on green hydrogen in the area.
Indian Initiatives:
The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) of India has been studying how much green hydrogen India could produce. They focus on the benefits of making green hydrogen from sources like solar and wind power. How it can help with energy security and making transport cleaner.
National Green Hydrogen Mission:
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission wants to turn the country into a hub for green hydrogen and green energy. They plan to use green hydrogen in different industries like petroleum refineries, iron and steel making, and fertilizers. The mission also hopes to create six lakh jobs in the green hydrogen sector by 2030.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Higher costs than fossil fuel-produced hydrogen, few green hydrogen plants, and steady demand. Both government and private organizations invest in research and demonstration projects. Growing interest in overcoming challenges.
Future Outlook:
The National Green Hydrogen Mission in India could have a big impact on the country’s energy scene. It aims to create over 600,000 jobs and tackle unemployment issues by training workers. The Indian government has set aside a big budget to make India a top producer, user, and seller of green hydrogen and its products. By 2030, the mission wants to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen every year. India currently uses about 6 million tonnes of hydrogen yearly, but it’s expected to double by 2030. The mission’s main goal is to cut down on carbon emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and make India a leader in clean energy. The global hydrogen market is also growing fast, with big investments in large hydrogen projects worldwide. These developments state a promising future for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. With opportunities for significant market expansion, technological advancements, and policy support.
