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.

What is 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).

Have you heard about green steel?

• 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.

Challenges and roadblocks

• 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.

Way forward

• 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.

Steps in the right direction

• 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.

Conclusion

• 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.

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[Sureshot] National Green Hydrogen Mission

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Central Idea

• In recent years, climate change has gained significant attention, necessitating urgent implementation of mitigation and adaptation measures in India. With a population of 1.4 billion residing in areas vulnerable to climate impacts, sustainable development has become crucial to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the nation’s infrastructure investments.

The changing dynamics of Sustainable Development

• Perception and Awareness: There has been a significant shift in the perception of sustainable development, with increased awareness of its importance. It is now recognized as a critical aspect of addressing climate change, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.
• Science-Based Approach: Sustainable development now emphasizes the integration of scientific concepts and knowledge into development plans and policies. This approach helps in understanding the complex interactions between human activities and the environment, and guides the formulation of effective solutions.
• Technological Solutions: There is a growing emphasis on utilizing technological advancements to support sustainable development. Tools and innovations are being developed to link sustainable practices with technological solutions, enabling more efficient resource utilization, renewable energy integration, and environmentally-friendly practices.
• Information Asymmetry: Despite progress, information asymmetry remains a challenge at the local and hyper-local governance levels. Efforts are being made to bridge this gap by promoting collaboration between scientific and research bodies and policymakers, ensuring that decision-makers have access to accurate and up-to-date information on the implications of climate change.
• Availability of Environmental Data: The increased availability of data on various environmental indicators has transformed the formulation of climate change policies. With better data, policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of the potential impacts and casualties associated with climate change, particularly in terms of adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Policy and Fiscal Incentives: Governments are implementing policies and providing fiscal incentives to promote sustainable practices. These measures, such as subsidies for renewable energy, carbon pricing mechanisms, and support for sustainable infrastructure, aim to drive the adoption of sustainable solutions and transform sectors towards more environmentally-friendly practices.
• International Collaboration: Sustainable development is no longer confined to national boundaries. Countries are recognizing the need for international collaboration and partnerships to address global challenges collectively. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) exemplify this trend, where countries work together to promote renewable energy and combat climate change.
• Inclusive and Just Transitions: Sustainable development is increasingly seen through the lens of equity, inclusiveness, and justice. Efforts are being made to ensure that the benefits of sustainable practices are shared by all, and that marginalized communities are not disproportionately affected by the transition to sustainable development

India’s comprehensive approach to renewable energy

• National Solar Mission: In 2010, India launched the National Solar Mission, which aimed to promote the use of solar energy for power generation. The mission set a target of installing 20,000 megawatts (MW) of grid-connected solar power capacity by 2022. However, this target was achieved four years ahead of schedule, leading to an increased commitment to solar energy.
• Solar Power Capacity Expansion: India has witnessed significant growth in solar power capacity over the years. As of March 2023, more than 60,000 MW of solar capacity has been installed, making India one of the leading countries in terms of solar energy deployment.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) Scheme: The KUSUM scheme was introduced to promote the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector. Under this scheme, farmers with grid-connected agricultural pumps are provided support to run their water pumps on solar power. The scheme covers two-thirds of the cost, with the central and state governments sharing the expenses. Farmers can use the solar power generated for irrigation and sell any surplus energy to the distribution company.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): India, along with France, spearheaded the formation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during the 2015 Paris climate conference. The ISA aims to promote solar energy adoption globally, facilitate collaboration among member countries, and mobilize funds for solar projects.

India’s approach towards Sustainable Development: Various strategies and initiatives

• Integration of Science and Policy: India recognizes the importance of integrating scientific concepts and knowledge into development plans and policies, specifically in relation to climate change and its impacts across sectors. Efforts are being made to minimize the information asymmetry on climate change implications between governance institutions and scientific/research bodies.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The availability of comprehensive environmental data is considered crucial for effective climate change policy-making. Improved data on environmental indicators allows for a better understanding of casualties and impacts, especially in adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Emphasis on Technological Solutions: India has shown a focus on leveraging technology as a means to address sustainable development challenges. Integrating technology-based solutions with public policies centered around sustainability is seen as a way to create cascading effects and contribute to good governance.
• Policy and Fiscal Incentives: The Indian government has implemented policies and fiscal incentives to support renewable energy, including solar power. These measures have contributed to the transformation of the energy sector and can serve as a roadmap for other sustainable governance initiatives.
• Swachh Bharat Mission: India’s Swachh Bharat Mission directly addresses Sustainable Development Goal 6 by focusing on sanitation, cleanliness, and hygiene. It aims to achieve universal sanitation and cleanliness across the country.
• Technological Innovation for Carbon Neutrality: India recognizes the role of technology in achieving systemic shifts like carbon neutrality. Market-based mechanisms for carbon pricing and cutting-edge knowledge on carbon sequestration are seen as crucial in increasing transparency, delivering sequestration benefits, and designing compliance and liability frameworks.
• Just and Equitable Energy Transition: As India looks to phase out coal, efforts are being made to ensure a just and equitable transition for those employed in the coal ecosystem. The aim is to apply science and policy to provide fair solutions while addressing the needs of affected individuals and communities.
• Multi-Institutional Collaboration: Collaboration between public and private sectors is seen as essential for scalable solutions and systemic change. Technological innovation, public participation, and solutions for sustainable development are viewed as opportunities to empower individuals and drive sustainable governance.
• Planning for Structural Shifts: India aims to plan for structural shifts and innovation in governance to promote sustainable practices. These shifts are expected to contribute to good sustainable governance, and as India assumes leadership in the G20, it has the potential to inspire and lead in sustainable governance practices.

Challenges regarding India’s approach to Sustainable Development

• Information Asymmetry: The governance institutions at local and hyper-local levels in India are affected by information asymmetry regarding the implications of climate change. Bridging this gap and ensuring the dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information is a challenge.
• Equity and Just Transition: As India aims to phase out coal, ensuring a just and equitable transition for those employed in the coal ecosystem poses a challenge. Balancing the need for sustainable energy sources while addressing the socio-economic concerns of affected individuals and communities is crucial.
• Population Vulnerability: India’s large population, combined with its exposure to climate change impacts, poses challenges in protecting vulnerable communities from extreme weather events, water scarcity, and other climate-related risks.
• Infrastructure and Environmental Impact: Balancing the rapid pace of infrastructure development with sustainability considerations is a challenge. Ensuring that infrastructure projects minimize environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions and ecosystem degradation, is essential.
• Poverty and Inequality: Addressing poverty and income inequality is crucial in achieving sustainable development goals. Ensuring that sustainable development initiatives reach marginalized and vulnerable communities and do not exacerbate existing disparities is a challenge.
• Waste Management: Effective waste management is identified as a challenge in India, particularly in urban areas. Improving waste segregation, recycling infrastructure, and proper disposal practices is necessary for sustainable waste management.
• Water Management: There are challenges of water scarcity, water pollution, and unsustainable water management practices. Balancing competing water demands, promoting water conservation, and improving water quality are significant challenges.
• Behavioral Change: Bringing about a shift in behavior and promoting sustainable lifestyles at the individual and community levels is a challenge. Encouraging environmentally conscious choices and reducing consumption patterns require widespread awareness and behavioral change campaigns.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness and understanding of sustainable development among the general public, policymakers, and stakeholders is crucial. Promoting education and awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of sustainable practices and their benefits can drive behavior change and foster a culture of sustainability.
• Integrated Policy Frameworks: Developing integrated policy frameworks that encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainable development is essential. These frameworks should provide clear guidelines and incentives for sustainable practices, address cross-cutting issues, and promote collaboration across sectors.
• Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement: Encouraging active participation and engagement of diverse stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organizations, businesses, and academia, is vital.
• Promoting Green Technologies and Innovation: Encouraging the development and adoption of green technologies and innovation can drive sustainable practices across sectors. This includes promoting research and development in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and other key areas.
• Strengthening Governance and Institutional Capacity: Enhancing governance mechanisms, transparency, and accountability is crucial for effective implementation of sustainable development policies. This involves improving coordination among different levels of government, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and investing in capacity building for policymakers and administrators.
• Financing Sustainable Development: Mobilizing adequate financial resources for sustainable development projects is essential. Governments, along with international organizations, should explore innovative financing mechanisms, encourage public-private partnerships, and attract investments in sustainable sectors.
• International Cooperation: Collaboration with the international community and participation in global initiatives is important for sharing best practices, accessing technology, and mobilizing resources. Engaging in international partnerships, such as the International Solar Alliance and climate change negotiations, can strengthen India’s efforts towards sustainable development.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and measure the impact of sustainable development initiatives is crucial. Regular reporting and transparency in reporting progress can help identify gaps, inform policy adjustments, and ensure accountability.

Conclusion

• India’s urgent need for sustainable development in the face of climate change requires the integration of science and policy. By leveraging scientific knowledge, implementing innovative policies, and promoting multi-institutional collaboration, India can pave the way for sustainable governance at local, national, and international levels. As the world looks to India for leadership, it is essential to plan for structural shifts and prioritize sustainable practices that ensure equity, inclusiveness, fairness, and accountability, while managing negative externalities

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Central Idea

• In the forthcoming G20 forum, India intends to propose a diversified approach to energy pathways that considers the distinct contexts and development trajectories of countries. By bridging the gap between national ambitions and State-level implementation, India can effectively achieve its climate pledges and drive actions at the regional level.

Why States Matter in India’s energy transition?

• Implementation and Realization of National Targets: While the central government sets goals and provides support, the actual realization of these targets depends on how they align with State priorities and capabilities. States serve as the spheres of implementation, and their active participation is essential for achieving national energy goals.
• Addressing Legacy Issues: The electricity sector in India faces challenges such as high losses, unreliable supply, and poor service quality. These issues are deeply rooted in the State-level political economy and must be addressed at the regional level. States are responsible for tackling these legacy issues, which can be exacerbated during the energy transition if left unaddressed.
• Laboratories of Policy Innovations: States in India have been instrumental in driving policy innovations, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Early initiatives taken by States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have significantly contributed to the uptake of renewable energy at the national level.
• Roadblocks or Support for National Goals: States can either facilitate or hinder the achievement of national energy goals, depending on their perception of alignment with State priorities. If the national goals are perceived as misaligned or imposing undue burdens on certain States, they may become roadblocks to progress.
• Regional Diversities and Opportunities: India is a vast and diverse country with significant regional variations in resources, economic development, and social priorities. States have unique contexts, capabilities, and opportunities that need to be taken into account during the energy transition. Recognizing and engaging with State-level diversities is essential for developing targeted and effective policies that consider regional nuances.

Insights from Achievements and Challenges of India’s energy transition

• Partial Achievement of Targets: While India made significant progress towards its 2022 target of 175 GW renewable energy capacity, it was not fully achieved. This highlights the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to successful implementation at the State level.
• Regional Disparities: Only a few States, such as Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, were able to meet their individual renewable energy targets. The concentration of renewable energy capacity in certain regions, particularly in the west and south of India, highlights the need for a more balanced and inclusive distribution across States.
• Implementation Challenges: The energy transition faces implementation challenges related to various factors such as land availability, infrastructure development, policy framework, and financial viability. These challenges vary from State to State and require tailored solutions to overcome barriers and ensure smooth implementation.
• Importance of State-Level Support: State governments play a crucial role in driving the energy transition. States with supportive policies, favorable regulatory frameworks, and proactive engagement have demonstrated higher success rates in achieving renewable energy targets.
• Learnings from State-Level Experiments: Successful State-level initiatives in renewable energy, such as Gujarat and Rajasthan’s early adoption of solar energy and Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu’s focus on wind energy, provide valuable lessons for scaling up renewable energy adoption at the national level.
• Addressing Legacy Issues: Legacy issues in the electricity sector, such as high losses and unreliable supply, pose challenges to the energy transition. These issues are deeply ingrained in the State-level political economy and require targeted interventions and reforms to ensure a smooth transition to clean and sustainable energy sources.
• Balancing National Goals and State Priorities: State priorities and goals may sometimes differ from national objectives, creating potential roadblocks. It is crucial to align national goals with State priorities and consider regional contexts to build consensus and ensure that the energy transition is inclusive and equitable.

Importance of State-Level Framework in the context of India’s energy transition

• Understanding State Plans and Actions: A state-level framework helps in comprehending the specific plans, actions, and governance processes undertaken by individual states regarding the energy transition.
• Broadening the Transition Discourse: By applying a state-level framework, the focus of the transition discourse expands beyond mere outcome-oriented discussions. It includes an analysis of the processes that shape the outcomes, such as transparency, accountability, affordability, and reliability of services.
• Enhancing Transparency and Legitimacy: A state-level framework ensures that stakeholders are engaged and have the opportunity to participate, contribute, and provide inputs. This transparency fosters public legitimacy and buy-in for complex decisions related to the energy transition, enhancing public acceptance and support for sustainable energy initiatives.
• Addressing State-Level Diversities: A state-level framework allows for a more nuanced understanding of these diversities and tailors energy transition strategies accordingly. It recognizes that what works in one state may not be directly applicable or effective in another state, leading to more context-specific and targeted policies and interventions.
• Evidence-Based Policy Choices: A state-level framework facilitates evidence-based policy choices by providing a structured approach to assess state-level preparedness and requirements for the energy transition. It enables comprehensive analyses of factors such as targets, resources, cross-sectoral inter-linkages, and implications of policy decisions
• Sensitizing National Policy Discourse: Viewing the energy transition through the lens of state-level preparedness brings greater sensitivity to state-level diversities, priorities, capacities, and opportunities.

Way ahead: A Multi-Scale Planning and Execution Strategy

• National-Level Planning: National-level planning involves defining renewable energy goals, establishing regulatory frameworks, and providing financial incentives to promote renewable energy adoption. It also includes creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, such as feed-in tariffs, subsidies, and tax incentives.
• State-Level Engagement: Engaging with States is vital as they have diverse contexts, priorities, and capabilities. State-level planning involves aligning national goals with State priorities and developing tailored strategies to address regional challenges and opportunities.
• Regional and Local Implementation: Energy transition planning should extend to regional and local levels. This involves working closely with local communities, stakeholders, and authorities to ensure effective implementation of renewable energy projects.
• Integration of Inter-Linkages: A multi-scale planning approach should consider inter-linkages between various sectors and dimensions of the energy transition. Identifying and leveraging these inter-linkages can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the energy transition.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: A multi-scale strategy should prioritize capacity building and knowledge exchange across all levels. This includes providing training and support to State-level policymakers, energy officials, and local communities to enhance their understanding of renewable energy technologies, financing mechanisms, and implementation best practices.

Facts for prelims

Conclusion

• Engaging with States is crucial for India’s energy transition as they act as key stakeholders in the implementation of national goals. A multi-scale approach that considers State-level contexts, priorities, and capabilities will pave the way for a successful transition. By establishing a State-level framework, analyzing inter-linkages, and understanding regional preparedness, India can expedite its energy transition, achieve its climate pledges, and create a more sustainable future

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Context

• India assumed the Presidency of the Group of 20 this December. The world’s third largest emitter is moving beyond a transition strategy based squarely on solar development by branching out into emerging fields such as hydrogen.

Present Energy status and future Predictions

• Only country to keep promise: India is one of the few countries that has kept to its Paris Agreement (21st Conference of Parties or COP21 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) commitments, with an exponential increase in renewable energy capacity.
• Energy through renewables: It is anticipated that by 2050, 80-85 per cent of India’s overall power capacity will come from renewables by achieving the nationally determined contributions commitments.
• Reducing the fossil fuel: India had committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuels to 40 per cent of the total electricity generation capacity by 2030.

Potential of hydrogen energy

• 6 million tonnes hydrogen: India consumes about six million tonnes of hydrogen annually to produce ammonia and methanol in industrial sectors, including fertilisers and refineries.
• Rising demand of hydrogen: This could increase to 28 million tonnes by 2050, principally due to the rising demand from the industry.

Efforts to promote Green Hydrogen

• Search for technology to generate: Ever since the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) shared that it is time for green hydrogen, private players have been looking for new technologies to generate it.
• Electrolyser is inefficient: With the challenges of electrolyser capacity for generating green hydrogen globally, finding alternatives to foster green hydrogen in the country is essential.
• Incentives from central government: The central government, the prime facilitator of such projects, has been coming up with new initiatives, policies and schemes to unleash the potential of green hydrogen generation and boost its demand.
• Rational utilization of resources: The long-term low-emission development strategy of the country submitted to UNFCCC at COP27 focused on the rational utilisation of national resources for energy security in a just, smooth and sustainable manner.

Idea proposed by Pune Municipal Commission

• Partnership with private player: PMC has partnered with business management consultant The Green Billions (TGBL) to manage its waste and generate it into useable green hydrogen. TGBL’s special purpose vehicle or subsidiary, Variate Pune Waste to Energy Private Ltd, will be undertaking the work.
• Waste management: The new facility for generating hydrogen from waste will solve major problems of Inefficient waste management and carbon emissions. Waste management is one of the prime issues in the country, which is blamed for generating pollution in the surroundings.
• Reducing carbon emissions: Pune, the second largest city in Maharashtra, hosts many industries, including steel, fertilisers and pharmaceutical industries. The emissions in the city increased by 12 per cent to 1.64-tonne carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2Eq) per capita in 2017 from 1.46 tonne tCO2Eq per capita in 2012.

How Hydrogen will be generated?

• Hydrogen generation for 30 years: Variate Pune Waste to Energy Private Ltd will be managing and utilising the municipal waste of 350 tonnes per day (TPD) for generating hydrogen for 30 years. This waste will comprise biodegradable, non-biodegradable and domestic hazardous waste.
• Plasma gasification technology: The Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) from the waste would later be utilised to generate hydrogen using plasma gasification technology. The technology has been developed while closely working with the Bhabha Atomic Research Institute (BARC) and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
• 9MT Tonnes of H2: It is estimated that 150TPD RDF and 9MT tonnes of H2 would be generated out of 350 TPD waste.
• Decarbonising the city: The hydrogen generated at the facility will be utilised locally to help the city lower its emissions. As the Centre is focusing on industrial decarbonisation and facing the challenges of just transition, the project can prove to be a game-changer in helping industries reduce carbon emissions.

Conclusion

• In India, where the hydrogen industry is nascent, it is imperative to keep the cost of hydrogen competitive to expand its usage in various sectors. TGBL will work on the same by making hydrogen affordable and easier to switch in the just-transition.

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