Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Green hydrogen and its applications

Mains level: Green Hydrogen, National Green Hydrogen Mission, challenges and way forward

What’s the news?

Recently, the government affirmed its commitment to making India a green hydrogen hub with a trial run of two buses that will operate on this clean fuel.

Central idea

Green hydrogen is recognized for its minimal emissions and higher efficiency compared to internal combustion engines. The government’s move to conduct a trial run of two buses on green hydrogen fuel is part of a larger plan to introduce 15 more such buses by the end of the year. However, several challenges must be addressed to ensure the commercial viability of green hydrogen.

Green hydrogen, often referred to as clean hydrogen, is a type of hydrogen gas produced through a process that uses renewable energy sources or other low-carbon methods with little to no greenhouse gas emissions.
Green hydrogen (GH2) is produced by splitting water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen (O2) using renewable electricity.
It is considered an environmentally friendly and sustainable form of hydrogen production because it does not rely on fossil fuels or emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases during its creation.
It can serve as an energy source (heavy industry, long-distance mobility, aviation, and power storage) and an energy carrier (as green ammonia or blended with natural gas).

Green steel refers to steel that is produced using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods.
Green steel is produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and by utilizing low-emission technologies that reduce carbon emissions.
One of the main ways to produce green steel is through the use of hydrogen instead of coal or natural gas as the reducing agent in the steel-making process.
Green steel is seen as a way to reduce the environmental impact of the steel industry, which is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions.
The costs of green steel, made from green hydrogen, are currently much higher but could be reduced with economies of scale and changes in production technologies.

Renewable Energy Capacity Gap: India needs to add approximately 100 GW of renewable energy capacity every year for the next seven years to meet its green hydrogen production goals. In contrast, only about 16 GW of renewable energy capacity was added last year, revealing a substantial capacity deficit.
Water Intensity: The production of 1 kg of green hydrogen requires around eight to nine liters of water. This poses a significant challenge in regions already grappling with water scarcity issues, potentially straining local resources.
Electrolyser Manufacturing Capacity: The global manufacturing capacity of electrolysers, the critical component in green hydrogen production, currently stands at about 10 GW. To meet its 2030 targets, India may need to increase its capacity six to tenfold, indicating a pressing need for rapid expansion.
Access to Rare Earth Minerals: Rare earth minerals are essential for electrolyser production, and China currently dominates this market. India must secure a consistent supply of these minerals through strategic partnerships or domestic production to support its green hydrogen ambitions.
Safety Concerns: Green hydrogen is highly flammable, necessitating rigorous safety measures throughout the production, storage, and transportation processes. These safety concerns may impact public perception and adoption.

Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment: India should intensify efforts to deploy renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Policies, investments, and streamlined regulatory processes are necessary to attract investments and expedite capacity expansion.
R&D for Water-Efficient Technologies: Investment in research and development is critical to developing water-efficient hydrogen production technologies. Collaborations with research institutions and international partners can expedite progress.
Domestic Electrolyser Production: India should prioritize domestic electrolyser manufacturing capabilities. Strategic diplomatic negotiations and alliances can help secure access to rare earth minerals for indigenous production.
Stringent Safety Standards: Developing and enforcing robust safety standards and protocols for green hydrogen production, storage, and transport is essential. Ensuring safety will foster confidence in the technology.
Infrastructure Development: Building the necessary infrastructure, including pipelines and refueling stations, for green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution is crucial for its widespread adoption.

Green Hydrogen Mission: The Indian government has launched the Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This initiative is designed to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigate 50 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Investment in Electrolysis Technology: A significant portion of the Green Hydrogen Mission’s budget is dedicated to developing electrolysers, the devices used in the electrolysis process to produce green hydrogen. This investment is crucial to scaling up hydrogen production capacity in the country.
Utilizing the Indian Oil Corporation’s Expertise: The government has wisely leveraged the Indian Oil Corporation’s expertise for the country’s inaugural green hydrogen vehicle project. To access global markets and foster collaborations with other nations, India must further develop its capabilities in the green hydrogen sector.

India’s aspirations to become a green hydrogen hub are laudable and align with global efforts to combat climate change. However, the journey ahead is fraught with challenges. Technological innovation, international partnerships, and a sustained commitment to clean energy are essential to transforming these ambitions into a sustainable reality.

Also read:

[Sureshot] National Green Hydrogen Mission