In a recent move showcasing India’s ambitious sustainability goals, Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), indicated that the Indian government is considering mandating the use of green hydrogen in the country.
The statement, made at the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023), underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging the potential of green hydrogen in its energy mix.
While the mandate is not yet finalized, it is evident that the groundwork is being laid through legal provisions under the amended Energy Conservation Act. A future mandate on the usage of green hydrogen aligns with the broader objectives of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched on January 4, 2023. The mission seeks to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilization, and export, thus playing a significant role in the country’s decarbonization strategy.
Central to this plan is the goal to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, 70% of which is intended for export, highlighting India’s ambition to not only meet its own renewable energy needs but also contribute globally.
Green hydrogen, which is generated through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like solar and wind, offers a clean, sustainable solution to address climate change and energy security issues. Its potential applications span several sectors, including fertilizer production, refining, and long-haul mobility. Pilot projects have already been launched in industries such as steel and shipping, showcasing the broad spectrum of green hydrogen’s applicability.
In the transportation sector, the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd announced plans to launch 15 fuel cell-driven buses in Delhi in the same year. This is a significant step towards integrating green hydrogen in India’s public transport system, reducing carbon emissions while also providing a blueprint for other regions to follow.
The ICGH-2023 conference brought together experts from around the globe, including representatives from Japan, the European Union, Australia, and Africa. Over the course of three days, 135 speakers shared insights on the latest developments in green hydrogen technology, illustrating the breadth and potential of the sector. Key areas of focus included the fostering of research and development, encouraging private investment, and developing a robust ecosystem supported by policies, technology, and innovation.
Notably, the conference also addressed the need to equip the existing workforce with the necessary skills to meet the demands of the growing green hydrogen sector. Institutions and the Ministry of Skill Development & Education are actively providing hands-on training to facilitate this transition, underlining the importance of human resource development in achieving these sustainability goals.
India’s pursuit of green hydrogen dominance represents a significant stride towards achieving a sustainable energy future. While the country’s ambitious green hydrogen targets present their own set of challenges, the collective will and collaborative efforts across sectors point towards a promising future – one where green hydrogen plays a pivotal role in not just India’s, but global sustainability endeavors.
