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National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM)

Ananya Gupta August 31, 2023 10:52 4524 0

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.

National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM)

What is the National Hydrogen Energy 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.

National Hydrogen Mission under which Ministry

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

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.

  • Hydrogen is a gaseous substance that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic.
  • It holds the distinction of being the lightest, simplest, and most abundant element in the entire universe.

National Hydrogen Energy Mission: Reason for Implementation

The National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) is necessary for several compelling reasons:

  1. Clean Energy Transition: Hydrogen is a versatile and clean energy carrier that can play a crucial role in transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. NHEM aims to harness hydrogen’s potential to help mitigate climate change and address environmental concerns.
  2. Diversification of Energy Sources: Dependence on a single energy source, especially fossil fuels, can lead to energy insecurity and price volatility. NHEM seeks to diversify India’s energy mix by promoting hydrogen as an alternative source, enhancing energy security and stability.
  3. Reducing Emission: Traditional energy sources release harmful pollutants and contribute to air pollution and global warming. NHEM’s focus on clean hydrogen production and utilization could significantly reduce emissions from sectors like transportation, industry, and power generation.
  4. Energy Independence: India currently imports a significant portion of its energy needs, which can strain economic stability. Developing a robust hydrogen economy can contribute to reducing import dependence and strengthening energy self-sufficiency.
  5. Economic Growth and Innovation: Investment in hydrogen technologies can foster innovation, create new industries, and generate employment opportunities. NHEM’s initiatives can drive economic growth by establishing a competitive edge in the global hydrogen market.
  6. Meeting International Commitments: India is a signatory to international agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise. By embracing hydrogen as a clean energy solution, NHEM contributes to fulfilling India’s commitments to reduce emissions.
  7. Global Competitiveness: Many countries are investing in hydrogen technologies, and India’s participation in this field can position it as a global player in the emerging hydrogen economy.

Mission Outcomes

The achievements of the mission by 2030 are:

  1. Establishing a green hydrogen production capability of no less than 5 million metric tonnes annually, coupled with an expansion of renewable energy capacity by approximately 125 gigawatts within the nation.
  2. Garnering a cumulative investment exceeding eight lakh crore rupees.
  3. Generating a workforce of over six lakh individuals.
  4. Contributing to a reduction of fossil fuel imports by more than one lakh crore rupees.
  5. Significantly curtailing nearly 50 million metric tonnes of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

National Hydrogen Energy Mission: Types of Hydrogen

                                             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.

Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel

  1. Clean Energy: Hydrogen is super clean. When you use it, it only produces water vapor as a result. No smoke or pollution, which is great for the environment.
  2. Versatile: It’s like a multi-tool for energy. You can use hydrogen to power cars, generate electricity, and even heat homes. It’s like a jack-of-all-trades energy source.
  3. Reducing Greenhouse Gases: When you use hydrogen instead of things like gasoline or coal, you cut down on those bad greenhouse gases that mess up the planet’s climate.
  4. Energy Storage: Hydrogen can store energy for later use. When we have extra energy from the sun or wind, we can turn it into hydrogen. Later, we can change that hydrogen back into energy when we need it.
  5. Technology Booster: Using hydrogen encourages new tech. It pushes scientists to invent better ways to make and use it, which can lead to other cool discoveries.
  6. Quiet Operation: Hydrogen-powered vehicles and machines are often quieter than their fossil fuel counterparts, which can help reduce noise pollution.
  7. Longer Range for Vehicles: Hydrogen-powered cars can travel longer distances without refueling compared to some electric cars, making them useful for longer trips.
  8. Hydrogen Economy: It’s not just about energy – hydrogen can create new jobs and industries. From making hydrogen to building hydrogen-powered devices, it can boost the economy.

Disadvantages of Hydrogen Fuel

  1. Production Challenges: Hydrogen is highly flammable, and if it leaks and accumulates, it can be a fire hazard. Creating hydrogen often requires a lot of energy, and if this energy comes from fossil fuels, it can cancel out some of hydrogen’s environmental benefits.
  2. Storage and Transport: Hydrogen is very light and can leak easily, making its storage and transport a bit tricky. Special infrastructure is needed to handle it safely.
  3. Costly Infrastructure: Building the necessary infrastructure for producing, storing, and delivering hydrogen can be expensive.
  4. Energy Loss: Converting energy into hydrogen and then back into electricity can lead to some energy loss, which affects overall efficiency.
  5. Limited Availability: While hydrogen is the most abundant element, it’s usually bonded to other elements like oxygen in water. Getting pure hydrogen can sometimes be a bit tricky.
  6. Carbon Footprint (in Some Cases): If hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels, it can still release carbon emissions, which isn’t great for the environment.
  7. Technological Challenges: Developing and perfecting technologies for hydrogen production and utilization is an ongoing challenge.

Green Hydrogen – The Fuel of the Future 

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.

Significance of India Pursuing Green Hydrogen

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.

Way Forward

  1. Research: Further investigation is required to comprehensively understand how hydrogen’s impact on global warming compares to that of other greenhouse gases.
  2. Leakage Assessment: At present, there is insufficient data available regarding hydrogen leakages. Developing more advanced tools for accurate leak measurement and implementing regulations to enforce leak assessment are imperative.
  3. Leakage Control Strategies: Insights gained from minimizing natural gas leaks in the past could be adapted to address hydrogen leakage concerns, despite the dissimilarities in their properties.
  4. Climate Metrics: It’s essential to adopt climate metrics that consider the potential impact of hydrogen leakage within a relevant short-term policy context, rather than solely relying on accounting methods spanning 100 years.

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National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) : FAQs

On August 15, 2021, the National Hydrogen Mission was launched, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the utilization of renewable energy sources.

Hydrogen is being regarded as a promising contender to replace conventional fossil fuels in the times ahead. India has set ambitious goals, aiming to produce 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2022, and an even higher target of 450 GW by 2030. The National Hydrogen Energy Mission is anticipated to play a pivotal role in accelerating the achievement of these targets.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission received the Union Cabinet's approval on January 4, 2023, with a budget of ₹19,744 crore allocated for the period spanning FY 2023-24 to FY 2029-30. The primary goal of this Mission is to position India as a worldwide center for the production, adoption, and export of Green Hydrogen and its related products.

During his speech on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the National Hydrogen Mission, which seeks to establish India as a center for the manufacturing and global trade of green hydrogen.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has granted its approval for the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The initial budget allocated for the Mission stands at Rs. 19,744 crore, which encompasses Rs. 17,490 crore earmarked for the SIGHT program.
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