India aims to become a global hub for green hydrogen production & exports under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM, 2023).
- Target: 5 MMT (Million Metric Tons) of green hydrogen production annually by 2030.
- Investment: ₹8 lakh crore estimated in green hydrogen projects.
- India’s first green hydrogen plant commissioned at IOC’s Mathura Refinery (2023).
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and highly flammable gas. It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe.
The term “green” signifies its eco-friendly production method, which utilizes renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydropower to generate hydrogen through electrolysis. This process separates water into hydrogen and oxygen without releasing greenhouse gases.
Applications of Green Hydrogen
- Industry: Used in steel, cement, fertilizers, and refineries.
- Transport: Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) – trucks, buses, trains, ships, aircraft.
- Power Generation: Blended with natural gas for electricity production.
- Energy Storage: Stores surplus solar & wind energy for later use.
Why Green Hydrogen?
- Climate Goals: Will help to achieve Net-Zero by 2070.
- Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels (India imports 85% of its oil, 55% of its natural gas).
- Industrial Use: Used in refining, fertilizers, steel, chemicals, and transport.
Advantages of Green Hydrogen
- Zero Emissions: Helps achieve Net-Zero by 2070.
- Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported oil & gas.
- Industrial Decarbonization: Key for hard-to-abate sectors (steel, cement).
- Export Potential: India targets Japan, South Korea, EU as major buyers.
Challenges in Green Hydrogen Adoption
- High Production Cost: Currently $5-6 per kg, target $1 per kg by 2030.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Lack of pipelines, storage, refueling stations.
- Water Requirement: Electrolysis needs 9 liters of water per kg of hydrogen.
- Technology Dependence: Electrolyzers are costly and mostly imported.
India’s Key Initiatives in Green Hydrogen
1. National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023)
- Budget: ₹19,744 crore.
- 5 MMT production target, cutting 50 MMT CO₂ emissions annually.
- 100 GW of renewable energy dedicated for hydrogen production.
2. Green Hydrogen Standards (2022)
- India became one of the first countries to define official green hydrogen standards (2 kg CO₂ per kg of H₂).
3. Green Hydrogen Corridors
- Planned in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra to boost production & exports.
4. Incentives for Electrolyzers & Production
- ₹17,490 crore allocated for green hydrogen production incentives.
- ₹4,440 crore for manufacturing electrolyzers (key equipment for hydrogen production).
5. Collaboration with Global Players
- India-EU Green Hydrogen Partnership (2023) to boost exports.
- Reliance, Adani, NTPC, Indian Oil, ONGC investing in green hydrogen projects.
State Initiatives
- Gujarat: ₹8,000 crore investment in green hydrogen by 2026.
- Tamil Nadu: Plan for 30 GW renewable energy capacity for hydrogen production.
- Odisha: Focus on green hydrogen for steel production.
Green Hydrogen Exports
- Targeting exports to Japan, South Korea, EU.
- First green hydrogen shipment (2023) sent to Germany from India.
- Adani Total, Reliance planning green ammonia exports to Europe & Asia.
India is set to become a global green hydrogen leader, reducing carbon footprint & boosting energy independence. With policy support, private investment & global partnerships, India can achieve cost-competitive green hydrogen production by 2030.
