India’s Green Hydrogen Partnerships

Context: 

Recently, the Finance Minister launched HSBC India’s Green Hydrogen Partnerships.

Types of hydrogen based on extraction method:

• Grey Hydrogen: It is produced via coal or lignite gasification (black or brown), or via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane (grey). These tend to be mostly carbon-intensive processes.
• Blue Hydrogen: It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification combined with carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
• Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. 
  • The carbon intensity ultimately depends on the carbon neutrality of the source of electricity (i.e. The more renewable energy there is in the electricity fuel mix, the greener the hydrogen produced).

Strategic Partnerships for Green Hydrogen Innovation:

• These partnerships involve collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF).
• Grant Support: ₹15 crore ($2 million)
• Objective: The projects will prioritize green hydrogen as a strategic alternative fuel and contribute to the development of a robust green hydrogen economy.
• Significance: 
  • Reduce the carbon intensity in the economy and create green job opportunities.
  • Counter climate change and build a low-carbon, self-reliant economy.
  • Bolster the government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
    • The National Hydrogen Energy Mission, announced in the 2021-22 union budget, paves the way for tapping alternative energy sources in India.

News Source: Livemint

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