Towards a Net-Zero Economy: The Role of Nuclear Power and Hydrogen in India's Energy Mix
Key Ideas
- India aims to achieve a net-zero economy through massive electrification and the use of hydrogen for industrial processes like steelmaking and fertilizer production.
- The Government of India is striving to reach 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with plans for the construction of multiple Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors across the country.
- The synergy of electricity storage and hydrogen production is recommended to enhance economic viability, with a call for policy changes to redefine green hydrogen as low-carbon hydrogen.
- Producing hydrogen through electrolysers during surplus electricity periods is seen as a promising solution to shape demand, reduce storage needs, and integrate renewable energy sources efficiently.
The article discusses the pivotal role of nuclear power and hydrogen in India's transition towards a net-zero economy. It highlights the need for massive electrification of end uses and the adoption of hydrogen for various industrial processes to achieve sustainability goals. With forecasts indicating a surge in electricity demand to meet net-zero emissions targets, nuclear power is identified as a crucial component of India's energy mix. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited is actively pursuing the installation of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors to boost nuclear capacity. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of low-carbon sources such as hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear in meeting energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. Suggestions are made to explore innovative solutions for balancing supply and demand, including the integration of hydrogen production with electricity storage. The proposal to redefine green hydrogen as low-carbon hydrogen and promote synergy between electricity storage and hydrogen production are put forward as key policy recommendations for a sustainable energy future in India.