National Green Hydrogen Mission

The Union Cabinet headed by PM, has recently approved National Green Hydrogen Mission with total outlay of ₹ 19,744 crore. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MoNRE) will be responsible for overall coordination and implementation of the mission.

What is National Green Hydrogen Mission?

It aims to make India a global hub for production, utilisation and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. It will help India to beocme energy independent and decarbonisation of major sectors of the economy.

Key components of National Green Hydrogen Mission

• SIGHT Programme
  • SIGHT stands for Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme.
  • Two distinct financial incentive mechanisms will be provided under this mission, which is targeted domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and the production of green hydrogen.
• Support pilot projects in emerging end-user sectors and production pathways.
• Green Hydrogen Hub
  • Regions capable of supporting large-scale productions and utilization of Hydrogen (H2) will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
• An enabling policy framework to support the establishment of the Green Hydrogen ecosystem.
• Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership – SHIP
  • A Public-Private partnership framework to facilitate R&D.
• R&D Projects
  • It will be goal-oriented, time-bound, and suitably scaled up to develop globally competitive technologies.
• Skill Development Program
  • A coordinated skill development program for the upgradation of skills of all stakeholders.

Targets for 2030

• Development of green hydrogen production capacity by at least 5 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) per annum with an additional associated renewable energy capacity of about 125 GW;
• Generation of over six lakh jobs;
• Cumulative reduction of fossil fuel import bill over ₹ One lakh crore;
• Total investment of over ₹ Eight lakh crore;
• Abatement of approximately 50 MMT of annual GHG emission.

Benefits of the Mission

• Generation of export opportunities for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives,
• Decarbonization of industrial, transport, and energy sectors,
• Dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock will reduce,
• Development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities,
• Creation of employment opportunities,
• Development of cutting-edge technologies.

What is Green Hydrogen?

• The Hydrogen gas which is produced by using renewable energy to power the electrolysis of water is called Green Hydrogen.
• It can be used for transportation, heating, and production of Natural Gas and Green Ammonia.
• The high cost of production of green hydrogen is the main reason behind its low use.