15 May 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC
1. Maiden India Pavilion at World Hydrogen Summit 2024, Netherlands showcases National Green Hydrogen Mission
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies
GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy |
| Context |
| ● India’s participation in the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, marks a significant step in its green hydrogen endeavours.
● The establishment of the India Pavilion by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy highlights India’s commitment to showcasing its progress and engaging with global stakeholders in the green hydrogen ecosystem. |
Analysis of the news:
- India participates in the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from May 13-15, 2024.
- The Summit, a significant event in the global green hydrogen ecosystem, expects around 15,000 delegates worldwide.
| Different types of hydrogen |
| ● Grey Hydrogen: Grey hydrogen is the most widely used type, produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming (SMR). While readily available and inexpensive, it generates significant carbon emissions, contributing to climate change.
● Blue Hydrogen: Similar to grey hydrogen, blue hydrogen includes carbon capture and storage (CCS), reducing emissions by up to 90%. Though cleaner, it still relies on fossil fuels and entails complex and costly CCS processes. ● Green Hydrogen: Produced via electrolysis powered by renewable sources, green hydrogen is emissions-free, making it the cleanest option. However, it’s currently more expensive and requires substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure. ● Other Types: Turquoise hydrogen uses natural gas with captured emissions for enhanced oil recovery, while yellow hydrogen is biomass-derived, offering a low-carbon alternative. Both are in development and aim to reduce carbon footprint. |
- India showcases its progress in Green Hydrogen, with representatives from various ministries and private sector companies.
- India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023 with a budget of Rs. 19,744 crores, aims for 5 MMT green hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
- Tenders awarded for 412,000 tonnes of green hydrogen production and 1,500 MW electrolyzer manufacturing capacity.
- Scheme guidelines notified for green hydrogen use in steel, transport, and shipping sectors.
- Department of Science and Technology initiates Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters to foster innovation.
- A dedicated portal for the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched to provide information on the mission’s development: https://nghm.mnre.gov.in/.
| National Green Hydrogen Mission: |
| ● Approval: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
● Initial Outlay: The Mission has an initial outlay of Rs. 19,744 crore, including allocations for the SIGHT program, pilot projects, R&D, and other components. ● Targets by 2030: Aim to develop green hydrogen production capacity of 5 MMT per annum, associated with renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW. ● Expected Outcomes: Over Rs. 8 lakh crore in investments, creation of over 6 lakh jobs, cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports, and abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. ● Wide-Ranging Benefits: Creation of export opportunities, decarbonization of industrial and mobility sectors, reduction in fossil fuel dependence, development of indigenous manufacturing, and advancement of cutting-edge technologies. ● Strategic Interventions: Financial incentives for domestic manufacturing of electrolysers, support for pilot projects, identification and development of Green Hydrogen Hubs, and formulation of enabling policy and regulatory frameworks. ● Research and Development: Establishment of a public-private partnership for R&D, focusing on goal-oriented, time-bound projects to develop globally competitive technologies. ● Coordination: All concerned Ministries, Departments, agencies, and institutions of the Central and State Governments will undertake coordinated steps for successful implementation, with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy responsible for overall coordination. |
| Practice Question: Discuss India’s participation in the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 and its significance in the context of the country’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. Evaluate the potential impact of India’s initiatives on the global green hydrogen ecosystem. (250 Words /15 marks) |
