Green Hydrogen Mission

Green Hydrogen Mission: Plan to make India energy-independent, and decarbonise significant sectors of the economy.

The Union Cabinet on January 4 approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which is aimed at making India the global hub for the production of green hydrogen.
The total outlay for the mission is ₹19,744 crore, out of which the government has allocated ₹17,490 crores for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme.
₹1,466 crore for the upcoming pilot projects, ₹400 crore for R&D, and ₹388 crore towards other mission components.

About
- The government will create a timeline for utilising hydrogen as an energy source as part of the mission.
- The transportation industry could change as a result, along with other businesses.
- This expedition will take advantage of the fact that hydrogen is the most common element on Earth.
- Furthermore, the fuel is significantly cleaner.
  - The emphasis of this expedition will be on hydrogen from clean sources.
  - Additionally, it envisions integrating the hydrogen economy with the nation’s expanding capacity for renewable energy.
  - India has a 175 GW renewable energy production goal for 2022, and this mission is anticipated to help with that goal.
  - The goal for renewable energy is 450 GW by 2030.
  - The country has set to decarbonise by 2050.
  - The transportation, chemical, and steel industries are the final consumers of hydrogen energy.
  - Due to their use of fossil fuels, these industries are responsible for 1/3 of all greenhouse gas emissions.
  - In these industries, switching to hydrogen from fossil fuels will significantly reduce GHG emissions.

India heavily depends on fossil fuels to generate electricity (coal).
- If hydrogen can take its place, pollution will be decreased (because of not burning fossil fuels).
- Additionally, coal imports may be decreased.
The most prevalent element in the universe, hydrogen also offers the advantages of being lighter, more energy-dense, and more energy-efficient (2 – 3 times more than petrol).
The transportation, iron, steel, and chemical industries will accrue benefits.

About
- It is created by electrolyzing water to separate it into hydrogen and oxygen using a machine fueled by renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
- The fuel has the potential to fundamentally alter India’s energy security, as the country now imports 53% of its gas and 85% of its oil.
- India is considering requiring oil refineries and fertiliser factories to buy green hydrogen to boost sustainable fuels.
Significance
- For India to achieve its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) Targets and provide regional and governmental energy security, access, and availability.
- Future renewable energy intermittencies will require energy storage, which green hydrogen can provide.
- In terms of mobility, Green Hydrogen can be used in railways, massive ships, buses, or trucks for long-distance mobilisations for either urban freight movement within cities and states or for passengers.
- The primary renewable energy source for supporting infrastructure has the potential to be hydrogen.

By utilising low-cost renewable power plants and the experience, it has garnered from cost-curtailment through solar and wind reverse auctions.
- India can lower the price of green hydrogen.
Huge market potential, brought on by a young population and a booming economy.
- It will benefit the government in the long run while encouraging hydrogen-based technologies.
As it has its limitations, hydrogen should be viewed as a supplement to its alternatives rather than as the only option.
By 2030, it is anticipated that the current storage and transportation technologies will be mature and efficient.

Pic Courtesy: freepik

Content Source: The Hindu