Green Hydrogen
Why in news?
The first-ever Green Hydrogen R&D Conference was held in New Delhi in September 2025, gathering top scientists, industry experts, startups, and policymakers where the government announced a ₹100 crore initiative to support startups working on hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilization technologies.
About Green hydrogen
- Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated entirely from renewable sources like solar or wind power.
- This process, called electrolysis, results in minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making green hydrogen a key technology for reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence.
- Green hydrogen is primarily produced by water electrolysis powered by renewable energy.
- The main electrolyzer types include alkaline, proton exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide, and anion exchange membrane electrolyzers, each with unique advantages.
- Alternative experimental methods include photoelectrochemical splitting and biological hydrogen production.
- Green hydrogen is vital for decarbonizing sectors hard to electrify directly, such as:
- Heavy industries (steel, cement, chemicals)
- Shipping and aviation (fuel or synthetic fuels like ammonia, methanol)
- Long-duration energy and seasonal storage
- Industrial feedstock replacing fossil fuels
- As of 2024, green hydrogen production costs are 1.5 to 6 times higher than fossil fuel-based hydrogen but are expected to decline due to falling renewable electricity and electrolyzer costs.
- Globally, less than 0.1% of hydrogen is green hydrogen, but the market is growing quickly as governments and industry invest.
India aims to become a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export through its National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission targets:
- 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production by 2030
- Significant decarbonization and reduced fossil fuel imports
- Supporting domestic demand and exports through policy, demand aggregation, and certifications
- Encouraging technology leadership and market creation
- The mission also includes developing a regulatory framework for certifying green hydrogen and derivatives (like green ammonia) produced from renewable sources.
