National Hydrogen Mission 

The National Green Hydrogen Mission is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at promoting the commercial production of green hydrogen, a clean, renewable energy source. The mission seeks to position India as a leading producer and supplier of green hydrogen globally, reducing the nation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities, and creating numerous job opportunities. In this article, you will know about meaning of National Hydrogen Mission, its objectives, key activities, Components, Implementation and its impact.  To explore more interesting UPSC Paper GS – 2 Government Policies & Scheme topics like National Hydrogen Mission, check out other articles and IAS Notes of IASToppers.   

Table of Content

• What is National Green Hydrogen Mission?
• Objective of National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Key Initiatives under National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Need for National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Components of National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Implementation of National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Governance Framework for National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Significance of National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Types of Hydrogen
• Conclusion
• FAQs on National Green Hydrogen Mission

What is National Green Hydrogen Mission?

• The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet on 4^th January 2022.
• The overall objective of National Green Hydrogen Mission is to boost the commercial generation of eco-friendly hydrogen and position India as a leading exporter of this energy source.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is the nodal ministry for the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Objective of National Green Hydrogen Mission

• Making India a leading producer and supplier of Green Hydrogen in the world
• Creation of export opportunities for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives
• Reduction in dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock
• Development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities
• Attracting investment and business opportunities for the industry
• Creating opportunities for employment and economic development
• Supporting R&D projects

Key Initiatives under National Green Hydrogen Mission

• Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT): It aims to promote local manufacture of electrolysers and green hydrogen production.
• Green Hydrogen Hubs: It will be established in regions with potential for large-scale hydrogen production and use.

Need for National Green Hydrogen Mission

India’s Pursuit of Net Zero Emissions by 2070

• With India’s ongoing growth, its energy needs are rapidly increasing.
• Energy usage has doubled in the past two decades and is expected to further rise by a minimum of 25% by 2030.
• Presently, India relies heavily on imports for more than 40% of its primary energy needs, costing over USD 90 billion annually.

Role of Green Hydrogen in India’s Energy Future

• Green Hydrogen, derived from renewable energy, holds the potential to contribute to low-carbon, self-sufficient economic pathways in India.
• It can also facilitate decarbonization in the auto-mobile sector, offering a clean energy source for long-distance vehicles and marine vessels.
• Green Hydrogen is especially beneficial for providing sustainable energy in remote locations, including islands.
• India can use its rich renewable energy and land resources, along with the growing global demand for Green Hydrogen, to become a leading producer and exporter.

Global Shift Towards Green Hydrogen

• Many economies globally have adopted Hydrogen strategies as part of their climate and clean energy initiatives.
• As the world moves towards Net Zero, the demand for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives is projected to increase.
• The transition towards green fuels has been fast-tracked due to the volatility of fossil fuels amid geopolitical unrest and supply chain disturbances caused by events like COVID.

Emerging Trends Indicating Green Hydrogen Competitiveness

• Recent developments suggest that advancements in technology, falling renewable energy and electrolyser costs, and aggressive national strategies may soon make Green Hydrogen cost-competitive in various sectors.

India’s vision of a low-carbon

• Using the Green Hydrogen aligns with India’s vision of a low-carbon, self-sufficient economy.

Thus, It’s the right time for India to initiate the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Components of National Green Hydrogen Mission

The Mission strategy comprises interventions for:

• Demand creation by making Green Hydrogen produced in India competitive for exports and through domestic consumption.
• Addressing supply side constraints through an incentive framework, and
• Building an enabling ecosystem to support scaling and development.

Implementation of National Green Hydrogen Mission

Stage One: 2022-23 to 2025-26

• Focuses on demand generation and supply adequacy by boosting electrolyser production.
• Local production will be incentivized and constant demand from sectors like refineries and fertilizers will encourage investment.
• Lays the groundwork for energy transitions in challenging sectors via research, development, and pilot projects.
• Regulatory and standards framework establishment will also begin.

Stage Two: 2026-27 to 2029-30

• By stage two, green hydrogen costs should compete with fossil fuel-based alternatives, fuelling rapid production growth.
• Pilot projects in sectors like railways and aviation will be initiated.
• Research and development activities will be expanded.

Governance Framework for National Green Hydrogen Mission

• An Empowered Group (EG) chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and comprising Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, CEO, NITI Aayog, and Secretaries of Ministries of New and Renewable Energy, Petroleum and Natural Gas, etc.; and experts from the industry will be set up.
• The EG will oversee the Mission activities, provide guidance, continuously monitor progress, recommend policy interventions.

Significance of National Green Hydrogen Mission

Mission will result in the following likely outcomes by 2030:

• Development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country
• Over Rs. 8 lakh crores in total investments
• Creation of over Six lakh jobs
• Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore
• Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions

Types of Hydrogen

• The sources and processes by which hydrogen is derived, are categorised by colour tabs.
• Grey Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced from fossil fuels (bulk of the hydrogen produced today).
• Blue Hydrogen: Hydrogen generated from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage options.
• Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen generated entirely from renewable power sources.
• Electricity generated from renewable energy is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Conclusion

The National Green Hydrogen Mission is an ambitious yet much-needed effort by India. As the country continues to grow, it must pivot towards more sustainable, reliable, and home-grown energy sources. The mission not only seeks to address India’s growing energy needs but also presents an opportunity to become a global leader in green hydrogen production. As the world steadily moves towards net-zero emissions, India’s focus on green hydrogen signifies a future-oriented approach that could redefine the nation’s energy landscape.

Ref: Source-1

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)