India’s national green hydrogen mission stands as a pivotal strategy for decarbonization, aiming to achieve energy independence by 2047 and net zero emissions by 2070. Approved by the cabinet, the mission boasts a budget of ₹19,744 crore. The aim is to position India as a global leader in the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
Outlined by the ministry of new and renewable energy, the mission sets ambitious milestones for the years ahead:
*By 2030, establish capacities to annually produce a minimum of 5 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of Green Hydrogen, with potential expansion to 10 MMT per annum through international partnerships and market growth.
*Allocate the initial budget of Rs 19,744 crore, with Rs 17,490 crore for the SIGHT program, Rs 1,466 crore for pilot projects, Rs 400 crore for R&D, and Rs 388 crore for other mission components.
*Generate global demand for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives, aiming for nearly 100 MMT by 2030, with a target of capturing 10% of the market, translating to an annual export demand of about 10 MMT.
*Mitigate 50 MMT of CO2 emissions annually through Green Hydrogen initiatives by 2030.
* Reduce fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore by 2030, thus enhancing India’s energy security.
In recent developments, the ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released guidelines for pilot projects focused on utilizing green hydrogen in transportation, including four-wheelers, buses, long-haul trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles. The projects leverage fuel cell-based and internal combustion engine-based propulsion techniques.
Specifically, the iron and steel sector, as well as the shipping sector, will undergo pilot projects under the green hydrogen mission, with key features such as:
*Pilot Projects under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) with a budget of Rs. 115 Crore by 2025-26.
*Implementation of green hydrogen in maritime operations, testing its feasibility, viability, and effectiveness.
*Pilot projects in the Steel and Iron Sector overseen by the Ministry of Steel and designated Implementing Agencies, aimed at substituting fossil fuels with green hydrogen and exploring innovative applications to reduce carbon emissions.
As reported by CarbonCredits.com, the total budget allocation for these initiatives until 2025-26 is ₹496 crore. The substantial investment underscores the primary focus on pilot projects in the transport sector and the establishment of high-tech infrastructure for green hydrogen production and refuelling stations as needed.
