Why in Broadcast?

• The three-day International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) was organized by the Government of India, from 5th – 7th July 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Aim

• It aimed to explore the possibilities of establishing a Green Hydrogen ecosystem and fostering a systemic approach to meeting the global goals for decarbonisation through Green Hydrogen.

About Green Hydrogen Mission

• On 4th January 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crore from FY 2023-24 to FY 2029-30.
• Its objective is to make India a global hub for the production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

Outcomes Expected by 2030

• India’s Green Hydrogen production capacity to reach 5 MMT per annum, contributing to the reduction in dependence on the import of fossil fuels.
• Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions is expected to be averted through the production and usage of the targeted quantum of Green Hydrogen.

Green Hydrogen and it’s need

• The source of electricity utilised to create the hydrogen molecule is indicated by colours. For instance, when coal is utilised the hydrogen produced is brown hydrogen.
• If the electricity used in the production of hydrogen comes from a renewable source like wind or solar energy, then the hydrogen produced is referred to as green hydrogen.
• Hydrogen has high energy content and when it is produced from a renewable source it emits almost no emissions, making it one of the cleanest energy sources.
• Since the world is facing its biggest-ever energy crisis and the threat of climate change is turning into a reality, it can ensure energy security and also help in cutting carbon emissions.

Challenges

• The development of green hydrogen is still in its infancy, and while India can lead the way by becoming a significant producer, it presently lacks the infrastructure required.
• Another challenge is the economic sustainability of extracting green hydrogen.

Way Forward

• India has an ideal geographical location with enough sunlight and wind for producing green hydrogen.
• Due to the industry’s infancy, it is possible to establish regional hubs that export high-end green products along with engineering, procurement, and construction services.
• India is the only major economy to source 40% of its energy from non-fossil fuel sources nine years ahead of the target of 2030. International collaboration is crucial in realizing our vision of a green and clean planet, and the ICGH 2023 provides a platform for fostering such partnerships.