Exploring the Role of Green Hydrogen in India's Energy Transition

Green Hydrogen and India’s Renewable Energy Future

1. What is green hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable energy sources like solar or wind. It is “clean” because its production and use do not emit carbon dioxide.

2. Why is India focusing on green hydrogen?

India aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, save foreign exchange, and cut Carbon Emissions. Green hydrogen can help meet renewable energy targets while creating new industries and Jobs.

3. What is the National Green Hydrogen Mission?

Launched in 2023, the mission targets 10% of the global hydrogen market by 2030, plans 5 million tonnes of annual production, attracts ~US$92 billion investment, and creates ~500,000 jobs.

4. How is progress so far?

Contracts for 862,000 tonnes of production capacity have been awarded, and 3,000 MW of electrolyser capacity is under construction. Several Indian companies have partnered with foreign firms for hydrogen projects.

5. What economic opportunities does green hydrogen offer?

India could export green hydrogen worth US$3–5 billion annually within the next decade. Key buyers are expected to include the European Union, Japan, and South Korea.

6. Main hurdles and examples

• High energy and infrastructure costs
  Example: Electrolysis needs large renewable power; building solar/wind farms in Rajasthan or Ladakh increases transmission and maintenance costs.
• Difficulty in acquiring land
  Example: Large hydrogen plants require vast areas; Andhra Pradesh faced land disputes delaying projects.
• Uncertain policies and regulations
  Example: Lack of finalized rules on hydrogen storage, pricing, and safety makes investors cautious.
• Technological advances in electrolysis
  Example: Electrolysers are expensive; companies like Ohmium International are working to reduce costs, but foreign technology dominates.
• Transmission and storage challenges
  Example: Hydrogen pipelines are lacking; pilot projects like Toyota–Kirloskar grids are limited in scale.

7. Companies investing in India’s green hydrogen sector

• Adani Group & Reliance Industries: Large-scale production facility investments
• Juno Joule Green Energy (Hyderabad): Partnered with Germany’s Select Energy for hydrogen and ammonia export in Andhra Pradesh
• Toyota Motor Corporation & Kirloskar Group: Developing small-scale hydrogen-based power grids in South Asia
• Ohmium International: Manufacturing electrolysers with Indian partners

8. Why are foreign partnerships important?

Collaborations bring technology, expertise, and investment, accelerating projects and ensuring India’s competitiveness in the global hydrogen market.

9. What is needed to make India a leader in green hydrogen?

India must reduce costs, build strong infrastructure, attract investors, and stabilize policies. Achieving these goals will make green hydrogen a viable and competitive clean fuel globally.