Green Hydrogen
Power the Future with Sustainable Energy by Green Hydrogen Revolution
Introduction:
Green hydrogen is a renewable energy that is produced through the 'electrolysis' process by using electricity created from sustainable sources like wind, solar, or hydropower. In this process, the water splits into hydrogen and oxygen. This process is not dependent on fossil fuels like traditional hydrogen production and does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2). It is considered an environmentally friendly option to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Green hydrogen is also known as a versatile energy carrier, suitable for use in multiple sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy storage. It has the potential to decarbonize industries such as heavy manufacturing and long-distance transportation.
Table of contents:
- What is Green hydrogen
- What is National Green hydrogen mission
- Uses of Green hydrogen
- Merits and demerits of Green hydrogen
- What is Green hydrogen policy
- What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is a type of hydrogen fuel that is a significant source of renewable energy produced through the process of electrolysis. In this process, wind, solar, or hydropower is used to split water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). Hydrogen produced by renewable energy is environmentally friendly because it emits no carbon; hence it is called "green." Unlike "gray" or "blue" hydrogen, which often turns into significant carbon dioxide, green hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas. Green hydrogen can be used in various applications such as energy storage, vehicle power, industrial processes, heat emission, etc. Powered by renewable energy, green hydrogen production is a sustainable solution to reduce greenhouse gases. It is therefore considered an important component of the transition to a cleaner energy system. Green hydrogen is capable of decarburizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry and long-distance transportation, achieving global climate goals.
- What is National Green Hydrogen mission?
The Green Hydrogen Mission is an initiative of the Government of India established to meet India's mandatory climate goals. The objective of the National Green Hydrogen Mission is to establish India as a global hub for the production and use of green hydrogen.
- Promoting renewable energy by reducing fossil fuels.
- Create jobs and attract investment in green hydrogen-related industries.
- Establishing India as a major exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
The Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030 and includes plans for domestic electrolyte production, supportive policies, public-private collaboration, and research and development.
- Uses of Green Hydrogen:
Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydropower, has numerous potential uses in various industries due to its eco-friendly nature. Some key uses of green hydrogen include:
- Clean Energy Storage: Green hydrogen can be stored and used to produce electricity during periods when renewable energy sources, like wind or solar, are not available.
- Transportation: Used as a fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), green hydrogen provides a zero-emission alternative for cars, buses, trucks, and even ships and airplanes.
- Industrial Applications: Green hydrogen can replace natural gas and coal in energy-intensive industries such as steelmaking, cement production, and chemical manufacturing, reducing carbon emissions.
- Power Generation: It can be used in hydrogen fuel cells or blended with natural gas to generate electricity in power plants, leading to cleaner power generation.
- Residential Heating: Green hydrogen can be used in residential heating systems, either directly or by blending with natural gas, as a low-carbon heating solution.
- Fertilizer Production: Hydrogen is essential in the production of ammonia, which is a key ingredient in fertilizers. Using green hydrogen for ammonia production can significantly reduce emissions from the agriculture sector.
- Energy Export: Countries with abundant renewable energy can produce green hydrogen for export to regions where renewable energy is less available, making it a potential global commodity.
- Backup Power: Green hydrogen can serve as a backup power source for critical facilities like hospitals, data centers, and military installations, providing energy security during outages.
- Synthetic Fuels: Green hydrogen can be combined with captured carbon dioxide (CO2) to create synthetic fuels, which are used in sectors like aviation where electric alternatives are challenging to implement.
These uses highlight green hydrogen's potential to decarbonize various sectors, making it a crucial player in the global transition to a sustainable energy future.
- Merits and demerits of Green hydrogen:
- Merits of green hydrogen are:
Emission-free: Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, and during its use nothing is produced except water. As a clean energy source, it is also helpful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Storage energy: Hydrogen is a reliable solution for storing excess renewable energy because it can be stored for long periods of time.
Versatile application ability: This clear energy can be used in various industries such as power generation, transportation, industrial heating, chemical production, fossil fuel replacement, etc.
Decarbonizing capacity: It can help reduce carbon emissions in sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as steel production, shipping, and aviation.
Energy independence: Produced from renewable energy sources, green hydrogen helps increase energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.
- Demerits of green hydrogen are:
High Production Costs: Currently, producing green hydrogen is more expensive compared to "gray" or "blue" hydrogen (made from fossil fuels), due to the high costs of electrolysis and renewable energy infrastructure.
Energy Losses: The process of producing, storing, and converting hydrogen back into electricity or fuel involves energy losses, making it less efficient than using electricity directly in some cases.
Storage and Transportation Challenges: Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport due to its low energy density and requires high-pressure tanks, cryogenic temperatures, or conversion to other compounds, which adds complexity and cost.
Infrastructure Limitations: The infrastructure for green hydrogen, including production facilities, distribution networks, and fueling stations, is not widely developed, requiring significant investment to scale up.
Water Demand: Green hydrogen production through electrolysis requires large amounts of water, which could strain water resources, especially in arid regions.
- What is Green hydrogen policy?
A Green Hydrogen Policy is a government initiative aimed at promoting the production and use of hydrogen made from renewable energy sources. It typically includes incentives, subsidies, infrastructure development, and regulations to foster a clean hydrogen economy. These policies help reduce carbon emissions, support energy independence, and decarbonize sectors like industry and transportation. Many countries, including the EU, India, and the U.S., have introduced green hydrogen strategies as part of their broader climate and energy goals.
Conclusion:
Green hydrogen holds immense potential as a key driver of the global energy transition. By using renewable energy to produce hydrogen, it offers a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels, helping to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors like industry, transport, and energy storage. However, challenges such as high production costs, infrastructure limitations, and energy losses must be addressed to unlock its full potential. With ongoing innovation, supportive policies, and investment in infrastructure, green hydrogen could play a crucial role in achieving a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
FAQs:
A. In which city was the first pure Green hydrogen plant commissioned?
-> The first pure green hydrogen plant in India was commissioned in Assam at the Numaligarh Refinery.
B. What is Green hydrogen fuel?
-> Green hydrogen fuel is hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydropower.
C. What is Green hydrogen energy?
-> Green hydrogen energy is the use of hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water, powered by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower.
D. Largest Green hydrogen plant in India
-> The largest green hydrogen plant in India is located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Developed by Reliance Industries Limited, this facility has a planned capacity of producing 1,000 megawatts (MW) of green hydrogen.
E. Blue hydrogen vs. Green hydrogen
-> Differences between Blue Hydrogen and Green Hydrogen are:
Production: Blue hydrogen is made from natural gas through steam methane reforming, capturing some CO2 emissions. Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, with zero carbon emissions.
Emissions: Blue hydrogen has lower emissions than gray hydrogen, but still produces some carbon emissions. Green hydrogen has no direct emissions, making it the cleanest form of hydrogen.
Feedstock: Blue hydrogen relies on fossil fuels (natural gas). Green hydrogen does not rely on fossil fuels.
Cost: Blue hydrogen generally cheaper to produce than green hydrogen currently. Green hydrogen is currently more expensive to produce, but costs are expected to decrease.
Applications: Blue hydrogen is used in refining, ammonia production, and chemical manufacturing. Green hydrogen is used in transportation, power generation, and decarbonizing industrial processes.
F. India’s first Green hydrogen blending project has been commissioned by which company?
-> India's first green hydrogen blending project has been commissioned by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
G. The National Green hydrogen mission aims to enable India to be energy independent by which year?
-> India has set its sight on becoming energy independent by 2047 and achieving Net Zero by 2070.
H. National Green hydrogen mission is under which ministry?
-> The National Green Hydrogen Mission is under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of India.
I. In which year National Green hydrogen mission launched?
-> The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched by the Union Cabinet of India, on January 4, 2023.
J. Who launched India's first Green hydrogen fuel cell bus in New Delhi?
-> Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, launched India's first green hydrogen fuel cell bus on September 25, 2023, in New Delhi.
K. Which sector is seen as a major potential user of Green Hydrogen?
-> Green hydrogen can decarbonize various sectors, including transportation, shipping, and steel, so its need is growing rapidly.
L. By which year the governments aim to produce 5 met of Green hydrogen?
-> The mission aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tons (MMT) annually in the country by 2030.
M. India signed MOU with which country in Green hydrogen and supply chains?
-> A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between India and Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Cote d'Lvoire.
N. How much is the total investment expected by 2030 in the National Green hydrogen mission?
-> The total investment of the projected mission by 2030 is around Rs. 8 lakh crore.