Sambhav-2025

Approach In introduction define Green Hydrogen and its significance in India’s energy transition. Discuss the prospects of Green Hydrogen, challenges in implementation, government initiatives & way forward. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Green Hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, is emerging as a key solution to decarbonize industries, transportation, and energy storage. India's National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) aims to position the country as a global leader by targeting 5 MMT per annum, production by 2030.

Body

Prospects of Green Hydrogen in India's Energy Transition:

• Energy Security & Import Reduction: Green Hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in steel, fertilizer, petroleum refining, and mobility sectors, reducing fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore by 2030.
• Economic Growth & Job Creation: NGHM is expected to attract ₹8 lakh crore in investments and generate 6 lakh jobs by 2030, boosting India's green economy.
• Decarbonization & Climate Goals: Hydrogen can cut CO₂ emissions by nearly 50 million metric tons annually, aligning with India’s Net Zero target by 2070.
• Industrial & Export Potential: India’s abundant solar and wind resources provide a cost advantage for Green Hydrogen production, supporting export opportunities to energy-dependent countries like Japan, South Korea, and Europe.
• Sectoral Diversification: Pilot projects for steel, mobility, shipping, and decentralized energy applications enhance hydrogen’s integration across industries.

Challenges in Green Hydrogen Implementation:

• High Production Costs: Electrolyzer-based Green Hydrogen costs ₹300-400 per kg, higher than grey hydrogen (₹150 per kg) due to high electricity and capital costs.
• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Lack of hydrogen pipelines, storage, and refueling networks limits large-scale adoption.
• Energy Source Dependence: Efficient production requires renewable power availability, but India still relies heavily on coal-based electricity.
• Technological & R&D Gaps: Electrolyzer efficiency, hydrogen transportation, and fuel cell development require significant research and innovation.
• Regulatory & Policy Uncertainty: While NGHM provides incentives, clear pricing mechanisms, safety standards, and long-term policies are still evolving.

Government Initiatives & Way Forward:

• National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM): With ₹19,744 crore outlay upto 2029-30, NGHM promotes demand creation, electrolyzer manufacturing, pilot projects, R&D, and infrastructure development.
• Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme: Offers incentives for electrolyzer production and Green Hydrogen manufacturing.
• Green Hydrogen Hubs: Developing key production and distribution centers across India to scale adoption.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encouraging industry participation in hydrogen innovation, research, and commercial viability.
• Scaling Renewable Energy Integration: Expanding solar, wind, and hydropower capacity to ensure cost-competitive hydrogen production.

Conclusion

India’s Green Hydrogen supports SDG 7 (Clean Energy) & SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing energy security and sustainability. While high costs and infrastructure gaps pose challenges, strategic policies, R&D investments, and private sector collaboration can position India as a global leader in the Green Hydrogen economy.