Fuelling a truly green transition

Source: The post is based on the article “Fuelling a truly green transition” published in Business Standard on 15^th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment

Relevance: challenges with green hydrogen mission

News: The government in January this year released its Green Hydrogen Mission (GHM).

About the Green Hydrogen Mission (GHM)

Click Here to Read

What are the different types of hydrogen and how are they obtained?

Click Here to Read

However, carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) is a very costly technology. It has proved viable only where there are depleted oil and gas wells available for large scale storage of CO2 emissions.

What are the advantages of green hydrogen?

Read Here: Green Hydrogen: Potential, Issues and Solutions – Explained

Hydrogen may also be liquefied and transported through pipes or in tanks via roads, rail and ships.

It may be converted to fuel cells to generate electricity or for heating and it may also be used in long distance transportation.

What are the challenges associated with green hydrogen?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the majority (95%) of hydrogen production currently relies on fossil fuels.

The Green Hydrogen Mission (GHM) in India aims to develop a green hydrogen capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes per year by 2030.

This will require an associated addition of 125MW of renewable energy capacity and an investment of approximately 8 trillion. 

The GHM intends to utilize high-performance electrolysers and decentralized renewable power sources like rooftop solar, micro-hydel plants, and biomass to provide clean and affordable power for electrolysis.

The mission also mentions the potential use of waste water in these processes. However, specific plans with detailed numbers are yet to be formulated.

Read More: Green Hydrogen: Potential, Issues and Solutions – Explained

What can be the way ahead?

Hydrogen has the potential to become a clean and abundant source of energy in the future, but it is not currently a fully viable alternative.

However, advancements in technology and lowering costs are continuously improving its prospects.

Moreover, several advanced countries, including Japan, are making significant technological advancements in promoting hydrogen as a fuel source.

India, through its Green Hydrogen Mission (GHM), should consider forging closer collaborations and take the lead in establishing an International Hydrogen Alliance.  

This alliance would facilitate the pooling of technological and financial resources to promote the hydrogen economy on a global scale.

The upcoming G20 summit presents a favorable opportunity for India to announce such an initiative and demonstrate its commitment to advancing the use of hydrogen as a clean energy solution.