At the COP 26 climate summit in Glasgow, India announced its ambitious target of achieving Net Zero emissions by the year 2070, i.e., the amount of Greenhouse Gas emissions produced within India will be equivalent to the amount offset from the atmosphere. This aim is fueled by a conscious & continuous effort towards energy transition, with green hydrogen being a key enabler for this long-term strategy.
Green hydrogen: Key towards decarbonization
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy from sources like solar and wind, is not just an industrial solution, rather it provides an opportunity to revolutionize entire industries, change perspectives and sow the seeds for new economic possibilities. It brings with it, a chance to decarbonize fossil fuel reliant/ hard to abate sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals, which have long been difficult to electrify. India with a humungous potential for renewable energy stands to embrace this energy independence as well as sustainable future, by harnessing the power of green hydrogen.
To understand the impact of green hydrogen as an alternative fuel, it is important to understand its composition. Typically coined a clean energy source, Green Hydrogen is a component produced by deploying renewable electricity to split demineralized water into hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike traditional hydrogen, which is made from fossil fuels (natural gas, etc.) and emits carbon dioxide, green hydrogen is entirely emissions-free, making it a preferred and environment friendly alternative for fuel dependent sectors. Green hydrogen has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the hard to abate sectors by around 90%.
According to recent statistics by International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), green hydrogen can meet 10–14% of global energy demand and compensate for up to 12% of global emissions by 2050, essential for limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
The impact is not just environmental but also economically beneficial. Industrial operations currently account for nearly 24% of global CO2 emissions which needs to be addressed quickly. To address this requirement, the world would need over 5,700 GW of electrolyzer capacity by 2050, an ambitious yet achievable target. Developing the hydrogen ecosystem would drive local economies to invest in this sector as well as ensure large scale skilling programs.
Government of India initiatives
India is already laying the groundwork for a new future powered by hydrogen. The Indian government’s ambitious National Hydrogen Mission, seeks to position India as a global leader in green hydrogen production, usage, and export.
The National Hydrogen Mission has been designed to create an entire ecosystem to promote the adoption of green hydrogen. By offering incentives for green hydrogen production and manufacturing electrolyzers, the government is making it easier for players to enter this space and scale up technologies. The focus on public-private partnerships is crucial to this effort, ensuring that both the public sector and private companies collaborate efficiently to make green hydrogen a reality impacting masses.
In addition, to make green hydrogen more affordable, the government is removing barriers like interstate transmission charges and offering subsidies for domestic electrolyzer manufacturing. These policy reforms are aimed at lowering costs, creating jobs, and driving innovation in the sector.
The Mission has set a key target of producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, leveraging the country’s abundant renewable energy resources.
These projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission are opening roads to a future where hydrogen is a key gambit. As per some reports, 46% of ‘the announced hydrogen production projects are in the implementation phase at a global level. India, despite being in a nascent stage, is aggressively pursuing green hydrogen development through strategic funding and pilot programs.
The key takeaways from these projects, along with practical insights from government, industry and academia will propel green hydrogen adoption and needless to say, will put India in the forefront of global cleanliness technology leadership.
Economic benefits
Apart from being environment friendly, Green hydrogen also entails significant economic benefits, and is poised to change the way we work and live.
The industry is projected to garner around 20,000 jobs across production, storage, and utilization with every billion dollars invested in green hydrogen, thereby putting India at the forefront of global clean energy leadership.
As India moves forward with its green hydrogen mission, there will be significant opportunities for upskilling, reskilling and workforce development. Investments in education and training will empower students and professionals in energy sectors to transition to clean energy jobs, helping them become part of the green economy and securing their futures.
In conclusion, Green hydrogen is at the core of India’s efforts to achieve its ambitious goals. Judicious actions today will help green hydrogen revolutionize India’s energy landscape, driving sustainability, economic growth, and global leadership in clean energy technologies.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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