(GIST OF YOJANA) Green Hydrogen: India’s Path to a Sustainable Energy Future


GIST OF YOJANA : Green Hydrogen: India’s Path to a Sustainable Energy Future

FEBRUARY-2025

Green Hydrogen: India’s Path to a Sustainable Energy Future

Introduction

  • India aspires to achieve complete energy autonomy by 2047 and attain Net Zero emissions by 2070.

  • Green Hydrogen is pivotal to this ambition, presenting a sustainable energy alternative that can transform India’s energy framework.

  • The National Green Hydrogen Mission seeks to develop a vibrant Green Hydrogen ecosystem in India, addressing the prospects and hurdles of this burgeoning sector.

Green Hydrogen: A Worldwide Outlook

  • The global shift towards clean energy is gaining momentum, fueled by worries about climate change, the necessity for energy security, and aspirations for economic advancement.

  • Green Hydrogen, derived from renewable resources, holds the promise to decarbonize sectors that are challenging to transition, including industry, transportation, and power generation.

  • India’s position in Green Hydrogen is crucial as nations increase production and adoption rates.

Pursuing Energy Autonomy and Sustainable Progress

  • India's energy consumption is anticipated to rise by 25% by 2030, with over 40% of its primary energy currently being imported.

  • Green Hydrogen has the potential to lower carbon emissions and enhance energy independence by substituting fossil fuels across various industries and applications.

  • The rising demand for Green Hydrogen forms an opportunity for India to emerge as a prominent producer and exporter.

  • The National Green Hydrogen Mission will expedite India’s journey towards a low-carbon, self-reliant economy.

National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

  • Initiated in January 2023, the NGHM aims to position India as a global center for Green Hydrogen production, usage, and exportation.

  • The Mission sets ambitious targets of reaching a production capacity of at least 5 MMT of Green Hydrogen per year by 2030, with the potential to grow to 10 MMT annually.

Expanding Green Hydrogen Production

  • India currently utilizes about 5 MMT of Hydrogen each year, mainly sourced from fossil fuels (Grey Hydrogen).

  • The NGHM intends to advance Green Hydrogen production technologies and minimize costs related to electrolyzers, renewable energy inputs, and necessary infrastructure.

  • The Mission proposes enhancing electrolyzer capacity, promoting domestic manufacturing, and investigating innovative decentralized methods for Green Hydrogen production.

  • Infrastructure for the storage, transportation, and exporting of Green Hydrogen will be established, including Hydrogen Hubs and export terminals.

Collaborative Efforts and Governance

  • The NGHM necessitates synchronized efforts across various ministries, departments, and institutions at both national and state levels.

  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) spearheads the Mission, while other ministries are essential in facilitating Green Hydrogen integration within their sectors.

  • A comprehensive governance framework, comprising an Empowered Group and a National Green Hydrogen Advisory Group, will supervise the execution of the Mission.

Economic and Ecological Impacts

  • The NGHM is projected to generate economic advantages through decarbonization, decreasing fossil fuel imports, boosting local manufacturing, job creation, and technological advancements.

  • The Mission aspires to craft a large-scale Green Hydrogen ecosystem, drawing in investments and creating employment opportunities.

  • Green Hydrogen projects are expected to prevent approximately 50 MMT of CO2 emissions each year, aiding India’s Net Zero objectives.

Financial Allocation and Risk Mitigation

  • The initial investment for the NGHM is Rs 19,744 crore, distributed across various elements, including the SIGHT program, pilot initiatives, R&D, and other projects.

  • The Mission integrates efficient risk management strategies to tackle possible challenges related to supply chains, technology, operations, finance, and market uncertainties.

Conclusion

  • Green Hydrogen is essential for India’s sustainable energy future and decarbonization initiatives.

  • The NGHM will cultivate a resilient Green Hydrogen ecosystem, encouraging innovation, attracting investments, and fueling economic growth.

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Courtesy: Yojana