India has unveiled a groundbreaking milestone in its pursuit of the National Green Hydrogen Mission by introducing the Green Hydrogen Standard. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has formulated this standard, which establishes stringent emission benchmarks to qualify hydrogen production as ‘Green’ when sourced from renewable origins. The standard mandates an average emission threshold of 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2 over a span of 12 months.
This strategic move underlines the nation’s commitment to fostering a sustainable energy landscape. By setting forth these guidelines, the MNRE solidifies the criteria by which hydrogen production can be classified as environmentally friendly, reinforcing its origin from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
The spectrum of the standard encompasses both electrolysis-based and biomass-based methods of hydrogen production. The guidelines explicitly outline the Ministry’s intention to formulate a comprehensive methodology for evaluating, reporting, overseeing on-site activities, and certifying green hydrogen and its derivatives. The role of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, is designated as the Nodal Authority for accrediting agencies responsible for monitoring, verification, and certification of Green Hydrogen production projects.
Green hydrogen is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gaseous substance with high combustibility, emerging through water electrolysis using renewable resources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Its significance lies in facilitating the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy while contributing to efforts in mitigating climate change. The applications of this form of hydrogen are broad, spanning transportation, industry, and agriculture.
In contrast, grey hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels and constitutes a significant portion of South Asia’s hydrogen production, while blue hydrogen incorporates technologies to capture and mitigate carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
The imperative to develop green hydrogen is underscored by various compelling reasons, including its potential to replace traditional energy sources, act as a reservoir for excess renewable energy, decarbonize challenging industries, diversify energy sources, tap into a growing market for green hydrogen technologies, and support countries’ net-zero emission goals.
Green hydrogen’s applications span a multitude of sectors, including grid stability enhancement, power generation through gas turbines and fuel cells, transitioning to hydrogen for heating purposes, empowering remote areas, and decarbonizing sectors like aviation, shipping, and more. As India embraces the Green Hydrogen Standard, it accelerates its journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. The transformative potential of green hydrogen in reshaping industries, reducing carbon footprints, and bolstering energy security positions it as a crucial player in the pursuit of a greener tomorrow.