India has set its sights on becoming energy independent by 2047 and achieving Net Zero by 2070. To realize these ambitious goals, the increased use of renewable energy across all economic spheres is central to India’s Energy Transition. Green Hydrogen emerges as a promising alternative to facilitate this transition, finding applications in long-duration storage of renewable energy, replacing fossil fuels in industries, enabling clean transportation, and potentially supporting decentralized power generation, aviation, and marine transport.

The Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission on 4 January 2023, with specific objectives:

• Making India a leading producer and supplier of Green Hydrogen globally.
• Creating export opportunities for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
• Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock.
• Developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities for sustained self-reliance.
• Attracting investments and business opportunities to boost the industry.
• Creating opportunities for employment and fostering economic development.
• Supporting Research and Development (R&D) projects to drive innovation.

Why is Green Hydrogen Important for India?

Green hydrogen holds immense importance for India due to its potential to address critical energy and environmental challenges while fostering sustainable development. The National Green Hydrogen Mission outlines several key reasons:

• Decarbonization and Climate Mitigation: Green hydrogen production, facilitated by renewable energy sources, offers a pathway to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Green Hydrogen has potential to abate nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions with this India can make substantial progress towards its climate mitigation targets.
• Energy Security and Independence: Investing in green hydrogen infrastructure reduces India’s reliance on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and independence. The National Green Hydrogen mission’s aim to develop a production capacity of 5 MMT per annum aligns with the nation’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce fossil fuel imports by over ₹ 1 lakh crore.
• Economic Growth and Job Creation: The development of green hydrogen infrastructure represents a significant economic opportunity, with over ₹ 8 lakh crore in total investments expected. This investment is projected to create over Six lakh jobs across various sectors, contributing to economic growth and social development.
• Technological Innovation and Leadership: Embracing green hydrogen technologies positions India as a global leader in renewable energy innovation. The associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable development and showcases its technological prowess on the global stage.

Green Hydrogen Uses for industries in 2024 India

• Energy Production: Green hydrogen fuels power generation and fuel cells.
• Transportation: Used as a clean fuel for vehicles, particularly in challenging electrification scenarios.
• Chemical Industry: Vital in chemical processes like ammonia production, offering a cleaner alternative.
• Steel Production: Acts as a reducing agent, reducing carbon emissions in steel manufacturing.
• Refining: Used in refining processes, contributing to a more environmentally friendly oil refining.
• Heat and Power for Industries: Provides clean energy for high-temperature industrial processes and combined heat and power systems.
• Backup Power Systems: Hydrogen fuel cells serve as backup power for critical infrastructure.
• Grid Balancing: Stored green hydrogen helps balance intermittent renewable energy sources, stabilizing the energy grid.

Green Hydrogen Companies in India:

Several Indian companies are actively involved in the green hydrogen space, including:

• GH2 Solar: Leading India’s first Green Hydrogen microgrid project for NHPC Department in Leh Region, while also offering Fuel Cell and Refuller solutions.

• Reliance Industries: Aims to produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.
• Adani Group: Plans to invest $20 billion in renewable energy and green hydrogen production.
• Greenko Group: Developing India’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen electrolyzer manufacturing facility.
• Indian Oil Corporation: Investing in green hydrogen projects for transportation and refining.