India's Green Hydrogen Blending Initiative for Energy Sustainability
Key Ideas
  • A study by Engineers India and IIT Kanpur suggests blending up to 5% green hydrogen with piped natural gas without adverse effects on the pipeline infrastructure.
  • Initiatives by CPSUs like NTPC and GAIL involve pilot projects for green hydrogen blending with PNG, aiming to reduce fossil fuel imports and promote renewable energy.
  • The government is exploring cost-effective and reliable transportation of green hydrogen through pipelines from renewable energy zones to ports for domestic consumption and exports.
  • Despite the advantages of hydrogen as a flexible energy carrier, challenges like hydrogen embrittlement on pipelines and appliances require thorough research and mitigation strategies.
A recent study by Engineers India (EIL) and IIT Kanpur suggests that up to 5 per cent green hydrogen can be blended with piped natural gas (PNG) without causing any adverse impact on the pipeline infrastructure. This development is significant for India, as it aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel imports, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG). Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy (RE) sources and electrolysis, is being explored by Central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) like NTPC and GAIL through pilot projects. These projects involve blending green hydrogen with PNG at varying percentages to test feasibility and efficiency. Additionally, the government is studying the cost dynamics and reliability of transporting green hydrogen through pipelines from renewable energy zones (REZs) to ports for both domestic use and exports. Various entities including GAIL, Indian Oil Corporation (IoCL), and NTPC are collaborating to assess the feasibility of setting up a pipeline network for green hydrogen transportation. While the initiative holds promise for energy sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, challenges such as hydrogen embrittlement in pipelines and appliances need to be addressed. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is also working on exploring avenues for transporting green hydrogen through natural gas transmission lines by blending it with natural gas, which is seen as a cost-effective option. India's annual demand for hydrogen is substantial, accounting for about 6 per cent of the global demand, signaling the country's potential to lead in green hydrogen adoption.
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