Green hydrogen can drive India’s transition to clean energy, combat climate change
What is green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy and has a lower carbon footprint.
By 2030, the cost of green hydrogen is expected to compete with that of hydrocarbon fuels.
Hydrogen will make up 12 per cent of the energy mix by 2050, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
At present, less than 1 per cent of hydrogen produced is green hydrogen, according to IRENA's World Energy Transitions Outlook.
India and green hydrogen
Under the Paris Climate Agreement, India pledged to reduce the emission intensity of its economy by 33-35 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030.
India consumes about six million tonnes of hydrogen every year for the production of ammonia and methanol in industrial sectors, including fertilisers and refineries.
India has favourable geographic location and abundance of sunlight and wind for the production of green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen production will reduce the country’s dependence on imports while also staving off climate change.
India will become a net exporter of green hydrogen by 2030 due to its cheap renewable energy tariffs, according to the Global Hydrogen Council.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has circulated a draft to establish a hydrogen ecosystem in the country.
In some sectors, the purchase of green hydrogen can be made mandatory, similar to renewable purchase obligations.
Why to opt for Green Hydrogen?
Adoption of Green hydrogen technologies are favorable in those sectors where direct electrification isn't feasible for ex in Heavy duty, long-range transport and long-term storage in the power sector.
With technological improvements, green hydrogen will become more affordable and accessible.
It can be used in a wide range of existing applications such as fertilisers, mobility, power, chemicals and shipping.
It can be blended up to 10 per cent by city gas distribution networks for wider acceptance.
It is a cross-cutting solution that may reduce emissions across a range of sectors.
What can be done to build a global-scale green hydrogen industry?
As with renewable energy, India should announce ambitious national targets for green hydrogen and electrolyser capacity by 2030.
Launch an incentive programme for the production of electrolysers.
Implementing complementary solutions that create virtuous cycles for ex. building the hydrogen infrastructure for refueling, heating and generating electricity at airports.
Optimising distribution networks to decarbonise the gas grid.