Enabling Green Hydrogen: Overcoming Cost Barriers in India
Key Ideas
- CareEdge Ratings highlights the importance of reducing green hydrogen production costs in India, aiming for a levelised cost of $2.1 per kg by FY30.
- A significant reduction in electrolyser prices by 35-40% and an efficiency improvement of 12-14% are expected to drive down the overall cost of green hydrogen.
- The need for a substantial investment of Rs 2.4 lakh crore to produce one million metric tonnes of green hydrogen is recognized as a major hurdle to widespread adoption.
- Incentivizing downstream users, particularly in industries like refineries and ammonia production, is crucial for the gradual shift towards green hydrogen in India.
CareEdge Ratings emphasizes the necessity of significant cost reductions in green hydrogen production to promote its adoption in India. They project a target levelised cost of $2.1 per kg by FY30, contingent on a notable drop of 35-40% in electrolyser prices and a 12-14% efficiency enhancement. Despite the current disparity where green hydrogen production costs are higher than grey and brown hydrogen, factors like lower renewable energy prices and supportive policies are expected to drive the cost competitiveness of green hydrogen. However, the high capital expenditure requirement of Rs 2.4 lakh crore for establishing one million metric tonnes of green hydrogen plants poses a substantial challenge. Maulesh Desai stresses the importance of achieving cost parity with alternative hydrogen sources, highlighting the need for cost reductions in electrolyser technology and continuous policy backing. Hardik Shah underscores the significance of establishing long-term offtake agreements for green hydrogen to attract developers and lenders, suggesting that refineries and ammonia production could be key early adopters of green hydrogen. The transition to green ammonia production could further boost green hydrogen demand, especially in non-urea sectors. Overall, the article promotes a positive outlook on the potential of green hydrogen in India while acknowledging the hurdles that need to be overcome for its widespread integration.