India's Green Hydrogen Ambition: Pathway to Energy Independence
Key Ideas
- India aims to lead in green hydrogen production, utilizing its renewable energy resources for electrolysis, supported by the National Hydrogen Mission's USD 2.1 billion plan.
- The market for hydrogen generation in India is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 21.9 billion by 2030, with private sector initiatives like NTPC and Adani Group driving implementation.
- Challenges exist in infrastructure compatibility and cost of upgrades, with regulatory bodies like PNGRB working on strategies to blend hydrogen with natural gas while addressing safety concerns.
- Experts highlight the need for extensive infrastructural upgrades, technological advancements, and cost-effective solutions to support the transition to a hydrogen economy and achieve ambitious production targets by 2030.
India is making strides towards becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production and utilization as part of its commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The country's focus on leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources for electrolysis, powered by solar and wind energy, is evident through initiatives like the National Hydrogen Mission. This mission, launched in 2023, allocates USD 2.1 billion to the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme, with the goal of producing 5 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA) of green hydrogen by 2030.
Private sector involvement, exemplified by projects from companies like NTPC and the Adani Group, is driving the implementation of green hydrogen projects across India. The market for hydrogen generation in India is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating a market size of USD 21.9 billion by 2030.
While there is optimism surrounding India's green hydrogen ambitions, challenges remain. Infrastructure compatibility and the high cost of upgrades pose significant hurdles. Regulatory bodies like the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) are working to address these challenges by defining roadmaps for blending hydrogen with natural gas and establishing safety standards.
Experts emphasize the need for extensive infrastructural upgrades, technological advancements, and cost-effective solutions to support the transition to a hydrogen economy. They highlight the importance of innovation in material science to prevent corrosion in pipelines, as well as modifications to combustion technology and safety systems to manage the blend effectively. Despite the challenges, the positive sentiment towards green hydrogen in India is evident through the concerted efforts of both the public and private sectors in driving the country towards energy independence and sustainability.