The next few years are going to be very important for India because energy will be used in large quantities. Moreover, if we talk about energy, then India always remains dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, and natural gas, but now the renewable energy boom is going to come very soon because the Indian Cabinet has approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Overview of National Green Hydrogen Mission
If India starts producing energy from hydrogen and uses it in different things, then a big change can come in India’s energy sector and because of this, the Indian government has finally approved the National Green Hydrogen Project of approx. 20000 crores, drafted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. However, it was announced by PM Modi during his Independence Day speech on 15th August 2021.
The major objective of the project is that India wants to become a major exporter in the energy sector i.e now India will produce hydrogen and export it in large quantities. Further, India is now going to add its name to the list of energy-rich countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
As we all know, India is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters, so, this is an important step for India to achieve the target of net zero carbon emission by 2070.
| Name | National Green Hydrogen Mission |
| Initial Outlay | Rs. 19744 Crores |
| Total Cost | Approx. Rs 8 Lakh Crores |
| Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy |
What is the Green Hydrogen Mission?
In this mission, hydrogen gas will be produced only with the help of green power sources like wind energy, and solar energy. Further, the ultimate aim is to make India a global hub in the manufacturing of hydrogen and fuel cell technology and the contribution should be made in the overall value chain.
The Ministry of Power had said, whoever wants to manufacture green hydrogen, will be facilitated to make bunkers near the ports so that energy can be stored and exported by ship. Further, the land will be provided by Port Authorities for the storage of Hydrogen and Ammonia.
Why is it called Green Hydrogen?
Renewable energy is used during the production of green hydrogen, which does not affect even 1% of the environment. But the pollution is released during the production of blue hydrogen, and gray hydrogen which harms the environment.
| Brown Hydrogen | Gray Hydrogen | Blue hydrogen |
|---|---|---|
| If coal is being used during the extraction of hydrogen, then it is called brown hydrogen. | If oil is being used (crude oil) in the extraction process of hydrogen, then it is called gray hydrogen. | Blue hydrogen means whatever pollution happens during the process, storing it in the form of carbon dioxide but not allowing it to be released into the environment. |
| It harms environment | It harms environment | It doesn’t harm the environment |
Total Cost of National Green Hydrogen Mission
At present, the government has given an initial outlay of Rs 19744 crores which is divided into 3 parts:
- Rs 17490 crore for Sight Programme (Production)
- Rs 1466 crore for Pilot projects.
- Rs 400 crore for Research & Development
- Rs 388 crore for other components of the mission.
Further, the government has expected the total investment will be 8 Lakh Crores in the green hydrogen sector. However, green hydrogen is not affordable at all, so in the coming 5 years, the aim of the government is to make it affordable.
Significance of Green Hydrogen Mission
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission will add 125 GW of renewable energy capacity in India.
- India’s dependence on fossil fuels will also reduce.
- Due to this, fossil fuel imports worth 1 lakh crore will be reduced every year.
- Target is to develop a capacity of 5 MMT(million metric tonnes) per annum.
- Further, Six lakh jobs will be created in India in this sector.
- 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced.
- Moving towards decarbonization of industries & energy sector.
- Further, India is to launch hydrogen-powered trains by the end of 2023.
So, this is all about the National Green Hydrogen Mission for UPSC. If you like this article, share it with your friends.
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