Green Hydrogen
Context:
Recently, the Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has provided an update on the current status of green hydrogen adoption in the country.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Economy)
Main highlights:
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is executing the National Green Hydrogen Mission, sanctioned by the Union Cabinet on January 4, 2023, with a financial allocation of ₹19,744 crore.
- The overarching objective is to position India as the global center for the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
- As of now, the adoption of Green Hydrogen in the country has achieved the following milestones:
- GAIL Limited has initiated India’s first project to blend Hydrogen in the City Gas Distribution grid. Two percent by volume of hydrogen is being blended in the CNG network, and 5 vol% of hydrogen is incorporated into the PNG network at Avantika Gas Limited (AGL) City Gas Station in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
- NTPC Limited has commenced the blending of Green Hydrogen, reaching up to 8% (vol/vol), in the PNG Network at NTPC Kawas Township, Surat, Gujarat, starting from January 2023.
Green hydrogen:
- Green hydrogen is a clean energy source generated through water electrolysis using renewable energy from wind, solar, and hydro power. It can play a crucial role in transitioning to a carbon-free economy, offering benefits such as zero greenhouse gas emissions.
- Developing renewable energy sources like green hydrogen enhances energy independence, reducing vulnerability to price shocks and supply disruptions associated with finite fossil fuels.
- It also fosters job creation in the renewable energy sector, addressing specialized needs in production, storage, and distribution.
- Green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in challenging-to-decarbonize sectors, such as heavy industry and aviation, contributing to a reduction in their carbon footprint.
Applications of Green Hydrogen:
- Agriculture Sector: Green hydrogen can replace traditional fertilizers through the production of carbon-free green ammonia, offering improved efficiency and reduced soil acidity.
- Green Hydrogen-Powered Farm Machinery: Farm machinery powered by green hydrogen can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the necessary power for essential tasks.
- Water Management: Green hydrogen can power desalination plants, converting saltwater into freshwater and enhancing water management for sustainable agriculture.
- Transport Sector: Hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles produce zero emissions, providing an attractive alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, with longer ranges and quick refueling times.
- Industrial Sector: The production of green hydrogen using excess renewable energy during off-peak hours can lead to cost savings. On-site production and storage provide a reliable energy source for industrial processes, promoting energy independence and reducing waste.
- Reduction in Waste: Green hydrogen production can utilize waste materials like municipal solid waste and agricultural waste, contributing to waste reduction and sustainable development.
- Increase in Energy Efficiency: Green hydrogen powering fuel cells offers greater energy efficiency compared to traditional combustion engines, contributing to overall energy consumption reduction.
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