Context:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently defined a clear Green Hydrogen Standard, which establishes emission thresholds for hydrogen production categorized as ‘green’.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- Green Hydrogen and its Emission Threshold
- India’s Initiatives to Promote Green Hydrogen
Green Hydrogen and its Emission Threshold
Definition of Green Hydrogen:
- “Green Hydrogen” refers to hydrogen gas produced using renewable energy sources, such as electrolysis or biomass conversion.
- It also encompasses electricity generated from renewable sources that are stored in energy storage systems or supplied to the grid in compliance with relevant regulations.
Emission Threshold:
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has established an emission threshold for Green Hydrogen.
- To qualify as Green Hydrogen, the well-to-gate emission should not exceed 2 kg carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per kg of Hydrogen (H2).
- This calculation is based on an average over the last 12 months and includes emissions associated with various stages of production, including water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying, and compression of hydrogen.
Methodology and Monitoring:
- The MNRE will outline a comprehensive methodology for measuring, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
- The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, will play a crucial role as the Nodal Authority responsible for accrediting agencies overseeing the monitoring, verification, and certification of projects involved in the production of green hydrogen.
India’s Initiatives to Promote Green Hydrogen
National Green Hydrogen Mission:
- The launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to significantly boost green hydrogen production in India.
- The mission targets the annual production of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.
- This initiative is closely aligned with India’s plan to establish approximately 125 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity.
- The program provides financial incentives to support domestic production of electrolysers and green hydrogen.
- These incentives intend to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen technology, foster technological advancements, and drive down production costs.
Green Hydrogen Consumption Obligations:
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has proposed the introduction of green hydrogen consumption obligations.
- Similar to the renewable purchase obligations for electricity distribution companies, these obligations will apply to the fertilizer and petroleum refining sectors.
- These industries will be required to incorporate a certain percentage of green hydrogen in their overall hydrogen consumption.
- This measure aims to drive the adoption of green hydrogen across key sectors, further contributing to India’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
