Ananya Gupta
August 31, 2023 10:52
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The Finance Minister unveiled the National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) during the 2021 Union Budget. On January 4, 2022, the Union Cabinet granted its approval to the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The government introduced the National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) and also revealed plans for Green Hydrogen auctions. The budget has allocated Rs. 1500 crore for renewable energy development, including hydrogen initiatives.
Under this mission, the government will chart a roadmap for utilizing hydrogen as a source of energy. This could bring about significant changes in the transportation sector and various industries.
Hydrogen, which is the most abundant element on Earth, will be a central focus of this mission. It’s a cleaner fuel option with great potential.
This initiative will primarily emphasize generating hydrogen from clean sources. It aims to connect the country’s growing renewable energy capacity with the hydrogen economy. India’s renewable energy goal for 2022 is 175 GW, and this mission is anticipated to bolster the progress. The target for 2030 is set at 450 GW of renewable energy.
As a nation, India is aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2050. Using hydrogen supports two important goals: meeting India’s emission commitments as per the Paris Agreement and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Industries like transportation, chemicals, and steel heavily rely on hydrogen energy. These sectors contribute to about a third of all greenhouse gas emissions due to their use of fossil fuels. Shifting to hydrogen in these areas will significantly help in reducing these harmful emissions.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will oversee the overall coordination of the Mission’s implementation. Other relevant Ministries and Departments will take specific actions to ensure the Mission’s objectives are successfully met.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) functions under the Government of India and is led by the current Union Cabinet Minister, Raj Kumar Singh. It holds primary responsibilities for activities such as research and development, safeguarding intellectual property, fostering international collaboration, promoting, and coordinating efforts related to renewable energy resources like wind power, small hydro, biogas, and solar power.
Full Form of NHEM : National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM).
National Hydrogen Energy Mission UPSC : Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and its potential as a clean energy carrier has garnered significant attention as the world seeks more sustainable energy solutions. This simple element, with just one proton and one electron, holds tremendous promise in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change to energy security.
The National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) is necessary for several compelling reasons:
The achievements of the mission by 2030 are:
| Types of Hydrogen | |
|---|---|
| Colour Code | Sources Used |
| Green Hydrogen | This is the cleanest type of hydrogen. It’s produced using renewable sources like wind or solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Since it’s made without any pollution, it’s called “green.” |
| Blue Hydrogen | It is produced by natural gas or coal gasification, which is then combined with carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies in order to diminish carbon emissions.
|
| Grey Hydrogen | It is produced through either coal or lignite gasification (referred to as black or brown hydrogen), or through a process called steam methane reformation (known as grey hydrogen) using natural gas or methane. These methods are generally associated with a higher carbon footprint due to their carbon-intensive nature.
|
| Black/Brown Hydrogen | This is made by heating up coal. It’s not good for the environment because it releases a lot of pollution and carbon dioxide. |
| Turquoise Hydrogen | This is a newer one, and it’s made using a special process that’s still being developed. It’s expected to be cleaner than blue hydrogen. |
Hydrogen and Ammonia are anticipated to emerge as the upcoming fuel alternatives, aimed at displacing fossil fuels. The creation of these fuels, achieved through the utilization of renewable energy-generated power, referred to as green hydrogen and green ammonia, stands as a significant necessity in ensuring the nation’s ecologically sustainable energy security. The Government of India is actively implementing diverse strategies to ease the shift from conventional fossil fuels and fossil fuel-based resources to the adoption of green hydrogen and green ammonia.
Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, India pledged to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% compared to 2005 levels. During the 2021 Conference of Parties in Glasgow, India reaffirmed its dedication to transitioning from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to a net-zero economy by 2070.
With an annual energy import bill exceeding $100 billion, India’s heightened fossil fuel consumption has positioned it as a significant emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to almost 7% of the global CO2 load.
In pursuit of energy self-reliance by 2047, the government has emphasized the imperative of introducing green hydrogen as an alternative fuel. This strategic move not only has the potential to position India as a leading global hub for hydrogen but also positions it as a significant hydrogen exporter.
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