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MAINS DAILY QUESTION
 Dec. 28, 2022
 ()

Green hydrogen is being termed the fuel of the future. Critically analyse.
Also, list the steps taken by India with regard to the promotion of green
hydrogen. (10 Marks)

Model Answer
Approach:

Introduction: Describe what is green hydrogen and how it is different from grey
hydrogen.
Body: Show how it is a fuel of the future and what are the limitations in making it
the fuel of the future. Mention government steps.

Conclusion: Mention significance and a future vision.

Answer.

Green hydrogen is hydrogen obtained from using green ( renewable ) energy

sources to electrolyse water, unlike grey hydrogen which is obtained by using
fossil fuel(natural gas) as an energy source.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation ( UNIDO ) launched a

global Programme to foster the application of green hydrogen in the industry in
July 2021.

Green hydrogen is the fuel of the future:

1) Need to switch towards renewable energy sources and limit fossil fuel use
as held recently in the Sharm El Sheikh Declaration of CoP27 declaring intent to
phase down the use of coal.

2) Dependency on oil will reduce thus helping move towards energy security
for many nations like India

3) Help in the decarbonisation of major hard-to-abate sectors such as the

transport sector, green steel production etc. Can prove to be a better alternative
in transport by its use in fuel cells regarding fuel efficiency and storage space
compared to electric vehicles reducing dependence on rare minerals.

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4) Green hydrogen can be stored for long periods unlike intermittent

renewables( example solar energy output declines when weather is cloudy)
ensuring grid stability. Intermittent renewables can be efficiently used to
produce green hydrogen thus giving an advantage to the global south with
abundant sunshine.

5) Help fulfil net zero commitments of countries such as India’s commitment

to obtaining net zero emissions by 2070. Major stakeholders are supporting
green hydrogen such as efforts by Reliance, the Indian government’s efforts etc.

Challenges that are limiting green hydrogen to become the fuel of the future:

1) Huge costs in obtaining energy and building infrastructure such as fuelling

stations for fuel cell cars require investments to manage hydrogen. The cost of
producing green hydrogen is currently high-priced, between USD 6–12/kg, and
may remain so if there is no funding and no course of action from the
government.

2) Huge requirements for land for solar energy to obtain green hydrogen. To
make 5 million tonnes of hydrogen as per the Indian government’s target, a
large amount of land, large infrastructure and money would be required.

3) Technological limitations as of now such as storage and safety concerns

as hydrogen needs to be pressurised and stored in cryogenic tanks. Low
production of electrolysers in countries for example in India leads to imports
and increased costs of production.

4) Lack of research and development (R&D) has led to investors deliberating

on the viability of investing in the sector. For example, lack of clarity on the
industrial categorisation of green hydrogen under the Central Pollution Control
Board’s directions.

Major provisions of green hydrogen policy:

1) Incentive for setting up of manufacturing plants such as allotment of land

in renewable energy parks, and setting up of manufacturing zones.

2) Waiver of interstate transmission charges for 25 years to producers.

3) Co-location with other renewable energy producers allowed in production.

4) Banking of renewable energy generated is permitted to producers for

making green hydrogen.

5) Renewable energy consumed for green hydrogen production is to be

counted towards renewable purchase obligations.

In the context of alarming challenges to climate, there is a need to utilise

multiple energy sources with a multistakeholder approach to produce green
hydrogen in a scalable manner and move towards the fulfilment of Paris
climate goals to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Subjects : Current Affairs

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