India''s Green Hydrogen Mission: Fuel for a Sustainable Future

Why is it in News?

Green hydrogen has emerged as a key component of the global clean energy transition. India is actively promoting green hydrogen to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, achieve energy security, lower carbon emissions, and meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis using electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Since the process does not involve fossil fuels, it produces little to no carbon emissions.

Importance for India

Green hydrogen can play a crucial role in decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, including steel, cement, fertilizers, shipping, and heavy transport. It can reduce India''s dependence on imported fossil fuels, promote energy independence, create employment opportunities, and position the country as a global hub for clean energy production.

Challenges

The production of green hydrogen remains expensive due to the high cost of electrolyzers and renewable energy infrastructure. Other challenges include the need for storage and transportation facilities, limited technological capacity, and the requirement for large quantities of renewable electricity and water.

Government Initiatives

The Government of India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission to make India a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen. The mission aims to promote domestic manufacturing, encourage research and innovation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen India''s clean energy ecosystem.

Way Forward

India should continue investing in renewable energy, improve electrolyzer manufacturing, strengthen research and development, develop hydrogen infrastructure, and promote public-private partnerships. International collaboration and supportive policy measures will be essential for making green hydrogen commercially viable and accelerating the country''s transition to a low-carbon economy.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to Green Hydrogen, consider the following statements:

1. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable sources of energy.
2. Electrolysis is one of the methods used to produce green hydrogen.
3. Green hydrogen production releases large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct because green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources.
• Statement 2 is correct because electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because green hydrogen production using renewable energy generates little or no carbon emissions.