India proposes green Hydrogen cities in various states to power its economy through Green Hydrogen.
Preface
India, in pursuit of a sustainable future, is making remarkable strides by embracing innovative technologies and renewable energy sources. One such groundbreaking initiative is the concept called “Green Hydrogen” Cities.
These cities will be at the forefront of a global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change by harnessing the power of hydrogen as a clean and versatile energy carrier. Through this article, let’s understand the policy and the states identified for hydrogen cities.
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The Promise of Hydrogen
Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, holds immense potential as a clean energy source. When used in fuel cells or combustion engines, hydrogen generates electricity and emits only water vapor as a byproduct, making it a zero-emission energy carrier. This characteristic makes hydrogen a valuable tool in the fight against air pollution and climate change.
Green Hydrogen Policy
On February 17, 2022, India launched the Green Hydrogen Policy aiming at boosting the domestic production of green hydrogen to 5 MTPA by 2030, half of the EU’s target of 10 MTPA.
The objective is to make India an export hub for hydrogen energy. Large industrial houses like Reliance Industries, Adani Group, L&T-Renew Power, and several PSUs like GAIL(India) Limited, NTPC, IOC, and HPCL are planning big investments in the sector.
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Making Green Hydrogen economically viable is a challenge
However, the process of making hydrogen comes with the consumption of lots of power. Currently, coal and fossil fuels contribute the maximum extent towards power generation, and they pollute the environment badly. However, we can’t solely depend on fossil fuel power because it does not align with the COP27 objectives. All countries have agreed to reduce the planet earth’s emissions to “zero” by 2070.
So, the Green Hydrogen produced should be from 100% renewable power. Such hydrogen is quite expensive to make as of 2023. To make it affordable, newer technologies (newer ways of making Hydrogen) are being explored. The endgame is to make green hydrogen affordable for our day-to-day use.
In India currently, Green hydrogen costs anywhere between ₹320 and ₹330 per kilogram, and it could fall by half to as low as ₹160-170 per kg by 2030, bringing parity with grey hydrogen and other fossil fuels, says a KPMG study.
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GAIL on the forefront in building India’s biggest Green Hydrogen Plant
As part of the National Hydrogen Mission, GAIL (India) Limited is building India’s biggest Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyser. The plant will come up at GAIL’s Vijaipur Complex, which is in Guna District, Madhya Pradesh. GAIL will use clean energy to run it.
The plant will make about 4.3 Metric Tons of Hydrogen every day, equivalent a 10-megawatt power plant with a purity of about 99.999 Volume %. They plan to start using it by November 2023.
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Hydrogen Cities
Several Indian cities have embarked on the path to becoming hydrogen cities, aiming to integrate hydrogen technologies into various sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation.
The government has identified seven states to locate hydrogen cities. They are as follows
- Sikkim,
- Andhra Pradesh,
- Rajasthan,
- Maharashtra,
- UP,
- Chattisgarh,
- Gujarat
Out of these, Sikkim will be hydel power-based, Chattisgarh solar-based, and Gujarat will be based on solar and wind energy. Whichever city has the big potential for generating renewable energy, that city tends to be qualified for the “hydrogen city” tag. It is because renewable energy, in abundance available at affordable rates, is required to produce green hydrogen. More states and cities will be identified for the prestigious tag.
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Benefits of Hydrogen Cities
Clean Energy: Hydrogen is a clean and sustainable energy source, making hydrogen cities instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. This aligns with the National Hydrogen Mission of the Indian Government.
Economic Growth: The hydrogen sector can create new jobs and stimulate economic growth by fostering innovation, research, and development spread across cities.
Energy Security: Hydrogen can be produced domestically, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports and enhancing energy security. It also provides strategic independence.
Diversification: Hydrogen offers an additional energy source, diversifying the energy mix and making it more resilient to disruptions. With geopolitics influencing crude oil prices, having a diversified fuel portfolio helps mitigate the negative impacts of crude price increases.
Conclusion
The emergence of Green Hydrogen cities in India represents a significant step towards a sustainable and greener future. By investing in hydrogen technologies, these cities are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also pioneering a cleaner, more resilient, and economically vibrant urban landscape. With continued innovation, investment, and public support, hydrogen cities in India have the potential to lead the nation toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
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