India needs electrification nuclear energy and hydrogen for net-zero

Source: The post India needs electrification nuclear energy and hydrogen for net-zero has been created, based on the article “India, rising power demand and the ‘hydrogen factor’” published in “The Hindu” on 16 April 2025. India needs electrification nuclear energy and hydrogen for net-zero.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Infrastructure- Energy

Context: To achieve a net-zero economy, India must shift from fossil fuels to massive electrification and clean alternatives like hydrogen. This transition requires the expansion of low-carbon energy sources. The article discusses India’s rising electricity demand, its nuclear power strategy, and the integration of hydrogen production with electricity storage for economic and environmental benefits.

For detailed information on Status of Nuclear Energy in India read this article here

Electrification essential for a net-zero economy

1. Replacement of Fossil Fuels: Electrification reduces the dependence on fossil fuels in homes and industries. For example, coal is used for reducing iron ore in steelmaking, and natural gas provides hydrogen for ammonia in fertilizer production.
2. Integration of Clean Energy: Electrification supports the use of solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy. India has set a target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 to help meet clean energy goals.
3. Efficiency and Sustainability: Electric systems are generally more efficient and climate-friendly. Electrification also supports green hydrogen production, which uses surplus clean electricity to produce hydrogen for industrial use.

How will electricity supply be balanced in a low-carbon energy future?

1. Rising Demand and Stable Supply: With higher electricity demand expected, low-carbon sources including nuclear will be critical. Nuclear provides steady power to keep the grid stable.
2. Limits of Current Approach: At present, coal plants are flexed to balance solar and wind supply. But this is not viable in a low-carbon energy mix.
3. Hydrogen Production as a Solution: Using surplus electricity to run electrolysers and produce hydrogen can help balance the grid without relying on coal or flexing nuclear plants.

India’s plan for nuclear energy in achieving net-zero emissions

1. Expansion of Nuclear Capacity: To meet future energy needs, India plans to install 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
2. Development of New Reactors: The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is setting up multiple 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at sites like Kakrapar and Rajasthan. A total of 26 such units are planned.
3. Introduction of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs): NPCIL is also promoting 220 MW PHWRs, named BSRs, for captive industrial use. These will strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing in the nuclear sector.
4. Role in Grid Balancing: Nuclear energy will act as a base load power source, helping balance the intermittent supply from solar and wind.

Role of hydrogen and storage in managing electricity demand

1. Managing Supply and Demand: Hydrogen production through electrolysers helps absorb excess electricity from solar and wind.
2. Industrial Use of Hydrogen: The hydrogen produced is not used to generate electricity again, but directly for industrial processes, making the system efficient.
3. Avoiding Flexing of Nuclear Plants: This method avoids the technical and cost challenges of reducing nuclear output.
4. Better Economics: Combining hydrogen production with electricity storage improves overall system economics and efficiency.

Way forward

1. Redefine Green Hydrogen as Low-Carbon Hydrogen: Hydrogen from nuclear emits less than 2 kg CO₂ per kg H₂, like renewable hydrogen. Reclassifying it as low-carbon hydrogen will allow its inclusion in clean energy incentives.
2. Provide Equal Incentives for Nuclear Hydrogen: Including nuclear in government schemes will help scale up clean hydrogen production.
3. Synergise Hydrogen Generation and Storage: These should be integrated to reduce costs and improve system efficiency.
4. Use Surplus Electricity for Hydrogen Production: This avoids the need to flex high-cost nuclear plants and supports stable grid operations.

Question for practice:

Examine how electrification, nuclear energy, and hydrogen production can help India achieve a net-zero economy.