Green Hydrogen

Green Hydrogen 

Context: India is actively embracing green hydrogen as a promising alternative fuel, as demonstrated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energys investment of Rs 496 crore to support pilot projects in this area.

Initiatives for Green Hydrogen:
• Oil India Limited (OIL) has commissioned Indias first 99% pure green hydrogen plant in Jorhat, Assam, marking a significant milestone in green hydrogen production.
• NTPC, located in Kawas, Surat, has initiated Indias first Green Hydrogen Blending operation within the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Network, advancing the integration of green hydrogen into existing energy infrastructure.
• The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has approved a 5% blending of green hydrogen with PNG, with plans to scale up to 20% in the future, demonstrating regulatory support for green hydrogen adoption.
• Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has partnered with The Green Billions (TGBL), a business management consultant, to convert waste into usable green hydrogen under the waste-to-hydrogen project, showcasing innovative waste management practices.
• The Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) has been established to mobilize finance and accelerate the development of green energy initiatives in India, fostering strategic collaborations and investments in the clean energy sector.
• The Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas launched Indias first Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus in New Delhi in September 2023, symbolizing Indias commitment to adopting green hydrogen technology for sustainable transportation solutions.

Significance:
• Emission Reduction: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the production of green hydrogen could potentially save up to 830 million tonnes of CO2 annually that are emitted when hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels.
• Viable Alternative: If the production costs of green hydrogen decrease by 50% by 2030, it could become a prominent fuel of the future. Additionally, hydrogens ease of storage allows for flexible usage, enabling it to be deployed when needed rather than immediately after production.
• Energy Security and Independence: Green hydrogen contributes to energy security and independence by reducing reliance on finite fossil fuel resources that are subject to global supply fluctuations and geopolitical risks.
• Creating New Industries and Jobs: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that the green sector employed 11 million people in 2018. By 2050, projections suggest that this sector could generate over 42 million jobs, fostering economic growth and sustainability.
• Decarbonizing Difficult-to-Decarbonize Sectors: Sectors such as heavy industry and aviation, which are challenging to decarbonize using conventional methods, can benefit from green hydrogen substitution. This transition helps mitigate their significant carbon emissions, contributing to overall climate goals and sustainability efforts.

Funding:
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, has initiated a new pilot project for green hydrogen production.
• Funding Allocation: A budget of Rs 496 crore has been earmarked until 2025-26 to support the pilot project.
• Pilot Project Focus: The project will focus on evaluating green hydrogen as a viable vehicle fuel alternative.
• Infrastructure Development: The initiative includes establishing hydrogen refueling stations to support the deployment and utilization of green hydrogen.
• Project Execution: A selected company or consortium will be appointed as the executing agency to oversee the implementation of the pilot projects.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF): MNRE will provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) based on project appraisal to bridge financial gaps and ensure project feasibility.
• Timeframe: The pilot projects are targeted to be completed within two years, emphasizing prompt execution and assessment of green hydrogen technology in the transportation sector.

Way Forward:
• In conclusion, the advancement and widespread adoption of green hydrogen present a transformative opportunity for sustainable energy development. To realize this vision, concerted efforts are needed across multiple fronts. 
• Firstly, there is a critical need to focus on reducing production costs by developing efficient electrolysis technologies and integrating green hydrogen production with renewable energy sources. This will enhance the economic viability of green hydrogen as a competitive alternative to fossil fuels.
• Secondly, implementing regulatory incentives such as tax credits and subsidies will incentivize industries and consumers to adopt green hydrogen solutions, accelerating market penetration.
• Thirdly, improving infrastructure with dedicated hydrogen refueling stations and developing efficient supply chains will facilitate the widespread deployment and utilization of green hydrogen across various sectors.
• Moreover, coordination among stakeholders is essential to align policies, standards, and regulations to create a supportive environment for green hydrogen development.
• Lastly, raising awareness and building capacity through education and demonstration of safety and feasibility will foster confidence among potential users and producers, driving further adoption of green hydrogen technologies.
• By collectively pursuing these strategies, we can pave the way forward towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, unlocking the full potential of green hydrogen to address climate change, enhance energy security, and spur economic growth