Green Hydrogen

GS 3 – Environment 

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and serves as a clean source of energy. Green Hydrogen is produced by splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower. The process involved is electrolysis and it is completely carbon-free, unlike grey or blue hydrogen.

Types of Hydrogen Based on Production Process

Type	Production Process	Environmental Impact
Grey Hydrogen	Produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming (SMR).	High carbon emissions
Blue Hydrogen	Produced using natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS).	Lower carbon emissions
Green Hydrogen	Produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources.	Zero carbon emissions

 

Process of Producing Green Hydrogen

1. Electrolysis:
   • Water (H₂O) is split into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using renewable electricity.
   • Equation: 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂.
2. Renewable Energy Sources:
   • Solar power, wind energy, or hydroelectric power are used to provide energy for the electrolysis process.
3. Storage and Transportation:
   • Hydrogen can be stored as a gas under high pressure or as a liquid at very low temperatures.

Advantages of Green Hydrogen

1. Zero Carbon Emissions:
   • No greenhouse gas emissions during production and usage.
2. Energy Storage:
   • Acts as a storage medium for excess renewable energy.
3. Versatile Applications:
   • Can be used in transportation, industrial processes, and power generation.
4. Decarbonization:
   • Helps reduce carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals.
5. Sustainable Alternative:
   • Reduces dependency on fossil fuels.

Challenges in Green Hydrogen Production

1. High Production Cost:
   • Electrolysis and renewable energy are expensive compared to conventional fuels.
2. Infrastructure Constraints:
   • Lack of pipelines, storage facilities, and transportation systems.
3. Energy Losses:
   • Energy efficiency of electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cells is lower compared to direct renewable energy usage.
4. Water Availability:
   • Electrolysis requires significant amounts of fresh water, which may stress water resources in arid regions.
5. Technological Gaps:
   • Need for innovation in electrolysis efficiency and hydrogen storage.

Applications of Green Hydrogen

1. Transportation:
   • Fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles, trains, ships, and aircraft.
2. Power Generation:
   • Can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity.
3. Industrial Use:
   • Steel production, cement manufacturing, and chemical industries (ammonia, fertilizers).
4. Heating:
   • Provides clean energy for heating systems.
5. Energy Storage:
   • Can store renewable energy and balance grid supply.

India’s Initiatives for Green Hydrogen

1. National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023):
   • Launched to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
   • Targets:
     • Production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
     • Development of renewable energy capacity of 125 GW.
   • Investment: ₹19,744 crore allocated.
2. PLI Scheme:
   • Incentives for manufacturing electrolyzers and related infrastructure.
3. Collaboration with Global Partners:
   • Ties with countries like the USA, UAE, Germany, and Japan for technology transfer and research.
4. R&D Initiatives:
   • Promotion of indigenous technology for hydrogen production, storage, and utilization.
5. State-Specific Plans:
   • States like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan are leading in green hydrogen projects.

Global Efforts Toward Green Hydrogen

1. European Union:
   • Hydrogen Strategy to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030.
2. Australia:
   • Green hydrogen production for export to Asian markets.
3. Japan:
   • Leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, with its Basic Hydrogen Strategy.
4. Hydrogen Council:
   • A global initiative promoting hydrogen as a key clean energy vector.

Way Forward for India

1. Policy Support:
   • Implementing clear policies and regulations for green hydrogen production and usage.
2. Cost Reduction:
   • Scaling up electrolyzer production and renewable energy to bring down costs.
3. Infrastructure Development:
   • Building pipelines, hydrogen fueling stations, and storage facilities.
4. Research and Innovation:
   • Investment in R&D for advanced electrolysis technologies and fuel cells.
5. Public-Private Partnership:
   • Collaboration between government and private players for funding and technological advancement.

Potential Benefits for India

• Achieving energy security and self-reliance.
• Reducing import dependence on fossil fuels.
• Contributing to net-zero targets by 2070.
• Boosting green economy and generating employment opportunities.
• Enhancing India’s role as a global leader in the clean energy sector.

Green hydrogen holds immense potential for India’s energy transition and decarbonization goals. Strategic initiatives, technological advancements, and global cooperation can pave the way for India to emerge as a green hydrogen powerhouse.