India's first green hydrogen blending project launched

India's first green hydrogen blending project launched

Why In News:

  • In recent days, the first green hydrogen blending project has been launched in India.
  • This project is a joint effort of NTPC and Gujarat Gas Limited.
  • The foundation stone of this project was laid by the Prime Minister of India on 30 July 2022.
  • Regulatory body Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has given approval for 5 per cent volume blending of green hydrogen with PNG.
  • Further, this mix will be increased to 20 percent in a phased manner.
  • India's first green hydrogen blending project has been commissioned at Kawas township in Gujarat.
  • It is fully H2-NG (Natural Gas) ready to supply.

Significance of the Project:

  • Significance of the Green Hydrogen Blend Project Globally, the use of green and renewable energy is of great importance in efforts to combat climate change.
  • The use of green hydrogen blending project will be helpful in exploring innovative and emerging options in the field of energy.
  • When green hydrogen is mixed with natural gas, green hydrogen will reduce carbon emissions while keeping the net heating content the same.
  • Apart from this, it is a source of clean energy as it is made using renewable energy like solar and wind energy.
  • This will make this sustainable resource of energy an alternative to fossil fuels in the country.
  • Helping to meet green hydrogen energy needs, India is the world's third largest energy consumer, with ever-increasing energy demand.
  • It helps in limiting climate change.
  • Apart from India, this achievement is only with some countries like UK, Germany and Australia.
  • In future, India will come at the center of global hydrogen economy due to which India will not only reduce its hydrocarbon import bill but will also earn foreign exchange by becoming green hydrogen and green chemical exporter in the world.
  • Green hydrogen is being seen as a potential source of clean energy and is also being called the fuel of the future.

Green Hydrogen:

  • The hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy (such as wind, water or solar energy) is called green hydrogen.
  • Depending on the process of production, hydrogen can be grey, blue, green and some other types.
  • Green hydrogen has much lower carbon emissions than gray hydrogen.

Use:

  • Green hydrogen can be used to decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as steel and cement production

Challenges:

  • High cost and lack of supporting infrastructure and infrastructure.
  • Green hydrogen has better performance than other conventional fuels.

National Hydrogen Energy Mission:

  • The National Hydrogen Energy Mission was launched in the budget for 2021-22.
  • Purpose: to drive massive growth in renewable energy and to guide the government's hydrogen energy strategy.
  • The mission emphasizes hydrogen production from green energy resources.
  • Under this mission, by the year 2030, a target has been set to produce 1 million tonnes of hydrogen as a renewable energy.
  • By 2050, the hydrogen energy market will be worth $2.5 trillion.
  • By the end of this decade, India has set a target of producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen.
  • Under the Paris Climate Agreement, the Government of India has committed to reduce carbon emission intensity by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030.

Programs of Government of India related to renewable energy generation:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (January 11, 2010)
  • International Solar Alliance (November 30, 2015)
  • National Wind Solar Hybrid Policy (2018)
  • PM Kusum Yojana (February, 2019)
  • Rooftop Solar Scheme (February 1, 2020)

Way  Forward:

  • Hydrogen plants should be set up in other states in a phased manner for hydrogen production in India.
  • Facilitated infrastructure should be set up in the country for green hydrogen filling.
  • Renewable energy production should be promoted for hydrogen production.
  • Foreign investment should be encouraged for research and development in technology related to green hydrogen production in the country.