Hydrogen Mission: India's Path to Decarbonization & Net-Zero
Introduction
On the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Hydrogen Mission, aiming to position India as a leader in green hydrogen production and export. The Mission was officially approved on January 4, 2022, by the Union Cabinet. This initiative is seen as a critical step toward making India self-reliant in energy, significantly reducing its dependence on energy imports which currently exceed $160 billion annually.
Mission Components
The National Hydrogen Mission includes several key components:
SIGHT Programme: This involves financial incentives for domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and green hydrogen production.
Pilot Projects: The Mission will support pilot projects in sectors and production pathways that are emerging users of hydrogen.
R&D Projects: Under the Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP), a public-private partnership will focus on developing globally competitive hydrogen technologies.
Skill Development: Coordinated training programs will enhance skills related to hydrogen technology.
Mission Outcomes
By 2030, the Mission aims to:
● Develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tons per annum.
● Achieve a related renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW.
● Attract over eight lakh crore in investments.
● Create over six lakh jobs.
● Reduce fossil fuel imports by more than one lakh crore.
● Cut nearly 50 million metric tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Mission Benefits
The benefits of the National Green Hydrogen Mission are substantial, including:
● Establishing India as a key global player in green hydrogen production.
● Creating significant export opportunities for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
● Fostering investment and business opportunities.
● Enhancing employment and economic development prospects.
● Supporting research and development in various hard-to-abate sectors.
Hydrogen Types Explained
Hydrogen is categorized based on its production method:
Grey Hydrogen: Produced from fossil fuels, leading to high carbon emissions.
Blue Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas with carbon emissions captured and stored.
Green Hydrogen: Produced via the electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources, making it the cleanest form of hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen: The Future Fuel
Green hydrogen, expected to replace traditional fossil fuels, will be produced using renewable energy. This transition supports India’s broader energy security and environmental sustainability goals, particularly in heavy industries like steel production and sectors such as transportation and fertilizer production.
India’s Green Hydrogen Initiatives
India is poised to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel imports by adopting green hydrogen technologies. This shift will aid in achieving energy independence by 2047, aligning with global trends towards sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.
Conclusion
The National Hydrogen Mission reflects India’s commitment to a cleaner, sustainable future and its ambition to lead in the new green economy. This strategic direction not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers substantial economic and social benefits.
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