Context:
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In the coming five years, energy storage systems and green hydrogen are expected to fundamentally transform India’s renewable energy (RE) ecosystem.
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These technologies will help India overcome the challenge of renewable intermittency and achieve its ambitious clean energy transition targets.
Key Highlights:
Energy Storage as a Game Changer
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Renewable sources like solar and wind are inherently variable.
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Energy storage technologies enable RE to provide:
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Firm and dispatchable power supply
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Reliable electricity for more than four hours
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Support for Round-the-Clock (RTC) power delivery
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Battery-backed and hybrid RE projects can now compete with coal-based base load plants.
National Green Hydrogen Mission Targets
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The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to achieve:
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5 million tonnes production capacity by 2030
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This scale is expected to reduce costs through:
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Competitive renewable electricity
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Domestic electrolyser manufacturing expansion
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Investment and Financing Requirements
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India’s goal of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 requires:
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Approx. ₹30 lakh crore investment
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Innovative financing mechanisms include:
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Green bonds
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Blended finance models (public + private capital)
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Greater participation of global long-term investors
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Role of Green Hydrogen in Hard-to-Abate Sectors
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Green hydrogen will be crucial for decarbonising sectors where emissions are difficult to eliminate, such as:
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Steel
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Cement
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Fertilisers
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Heavy transport
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Grid Infrastructure and System Upgrades
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Achieving the clean energy transition requires more than new power plants. Key needs include:
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Green Energy Corridors
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Transmission system strengthening
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Localised battery storage for grid stability
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Renewable energy intermittency limits reliability.
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Causes: Solar depends on sunlight; wind depends on weather conditions.
Government Initiatives
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National Green Hydrogen Mission (5 million tonnes target by 2030)
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Expansion of electrolyser manufacturing
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Development of Green Energy Corridors for transmission support
Benefits
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Reliable RTC renewable power
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Reduced dependence on coal
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Supports India’s climate commitments
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Enables clean industrial transformation
Challenges
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High initial investment requirement
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Need for large-scale storage deployment
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Grid integration and stability concerns
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Cost competitiveness of green hydrogen in early stages
Impact
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Accelerates India’s shift toward a low-carbon economy
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Strengthens energy security
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Positions India as a global leader in green hydrogen production
Relevant Mains Points:
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Green Hydrogen Definition: Hydrogen produced using renewable-powered electrolysers.
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Energy Storage Importance: Ensures firm supply and supports renewable grid integration.
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Blended Finance: Mobilising private capital using public/development support.
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Green Energy Corridors: Transmission networks enabling renewable flow from RE-rich states.
Significance
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Helps meet India’s 500 GW non-fossil capacity goal
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Decarbonises hard-to-abate industrial sectors
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Encourages clean technology manufacturing and innovation
Way Forward
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Strengthen policy incentives for storage and hydrogen adoption
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Scale domestic electrolyser and battery manufacturing
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Expand green financing tools and attract global investment
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Upgrade transmission infrastructure and decentralised storage systems
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 3: Environment & Ecology – Clean energy transition, green hydrogen, storage technologies
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GS 3: Economy – Green investments, blended finance, industrial decarbonisation
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Prelims: Concepts like Green Hydrogen, Electrolyser, Green Energy Corridors, Blended Finance