Why in News?
There is a strong case for India to bet big on hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine vehicles for commercial transport in order to achieve our Decarburization Goals.
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is a clean energy source produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power.
It has the potential to become a key player in the transition to a carbon-free economy and can help mitigate climate change.
The hydrogen produced can be stored and used as a fuel for transportation, industry, and agriculture.
What is the need to Develop Green Hydrogen?
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
The use of fossil fuels for transportation and electricity generation is a major contributor to global emissions.
As a country, India ranks eighth-worst on air quality, and while our per capita greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions are less than half the global average, we are still the world’s third-largest emitter.
At 280 million tonnes of GHG emissions in 2021, road transport accounts for about 10% of India’s emissions, with more than a third of it coming from medium and heavy commercial vehicles.
Green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources, emits zero greenhouse gases, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source.
Energy Security and Independence:
Fossil fuels are a finite resource, and their prices can fluctuate due to Geo Political Situations.
India is dependent on fossil fuel for nearly 70% of its energy.
By developing renewable energy sources like green hydrogen, countries can become more energy-independent and less vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
Creating New Industries and Employment:
The development of green hydrogen can create new industries and jobs, particularly in the renewable energy sector. The production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen require specialized expertise and infrastructure, which can generate employment opportunities.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11 million people worldwide in 2018 and is expected to create more than 42 million jobs by 2050.
Decarbonizing in Sectors which are Difficult-to-Decarbonize:
The potential to substitute fossil fuels with green hydrogen is significant, especially in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as heavy industry and aviation.
These sectors contribute significantly to global emissions, and the use of green hydrogen can help reduce their carbon footprint.
Technological Advancements:
The development, production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen of green hydrogen can drive technological advancements and innovations in various sectors.
Green Hydrogen- Transport Sector:
Hydrogen Fuel Cell:
A hydrogen fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, water and heat.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce zero emissions, making them an attractive alternative to gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
They have a longer range than battery electric vehicles and can be refuelled in minutes, making them more convenient for long-distance travel.
Reliable:
Green hydrogen can be produced and stored on-site and this help to reduce the dependence on the electricity grid and promote energy independence.
What are the Difficulties in Green Hydrogen Implementation?
Cost:
The cost of green hydrogen is currently high compared to traditional fossil fuels. The production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen require specialized equipment and infrastructure, making it more expensive than conventional fuels.
However, with advancements in technology and scaling up of production, the cost of green hydrogen is expected to decrease over time.
Infrastructure:
The widespread adoption of green hydrogen requires the development of a robust infrastructure for its production, storage, and distribution.
The infrastructure must be developed in a way that is compatible with existing energy infrastructure to facilitate the transition to green hydrogen.
Energy Storage:
Green hydrogen production is dependent on renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro power. However, these sources are intermittent, meaning that their output can fluctuate over time. The development of effective energy storage solutions is critical to enable the widespread adoption of green hydrogen.
Energy storage solutions like batteries and hydrogen storage can store excess energy produced by renewable sources and provide a constant supply of green hydrogen.
Safety:
Green hydrogen is a highly flammable gas that requires special handling and storage.
The development of proper safety protocols and regulations is crucial to ensure the safe handling and storage of green hydrogen.
What are India's Initiatives to Promote Green Hydrogen?
India has recognized the potential of green hydrogen to decarbonize its economy and achieve its climate goals. The country has launched several initiatives and policies to promote the production, utilization and export of green hydrogen.
Some of the key initiatives are:
National Hydrogen Mission:
The Union Government has approved a Rs 19,744 crore National Green Hydrogen mission that aims to make India a ‘global hub’ for using, producing and exporting green hydrogen.
The mission was announced in the Union Budget 2021-22 and aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
The mission will also facilitate demand creation, pilot projects, R&D, skill development, standards and regulations, and policy framework for green hydrogen.
It was implemented under the ministry of New and Renewable Energy with objective of: Developing green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum, alongside adding renewable energy capacity of about 125 GW (gigawatt) in India by 2030.
It aims to entail over Rs 8 lakh crore of total investments and is expected to generate six lakh jobs.
It will also lead to a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports by over Rs 1 lakh crore and an abatement of nearly 50 MT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Sub Schemes:
Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT):
It will fund the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and produce green hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen Hubs:
States and regions capable of supporting large scale production and/or utilization of hydrogen will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
Green Hydrogen Consumption Obligations:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed to introduce green hydrogen consumption obligations for fertilizer and the petroleum refining industry, like the renewable purchase obligations for electricity distribution companies.
The obligations will require these industries to consume a certain percentage of green hydrogen in their total hydrogen consumption.
Mains Question:
Q: It is time that India need to bet big on hydrogen and this transition process will not be easy however, not impossible- Analyse.
Sources:
https://www.livemint.com/industry/energy/torrent-power-ventures-into-green-hydrogen-blending-project-eyes-cleaner-energy-mix-11688397572150.html
https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/india-mulls-bilateral-deals-for-green-hydrogen-linked-carbon-credits-123070400479_1.html
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/green-hydrogen-an-expensive-option/article67038395.ece
https://youtu.be/LzRV7plPNkI
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