• UGI USER
  • Apr 06, 2024
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HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF GREEN HYDROGEN

Syllabus:

  • GS 2 : Government Policies and Intervention
  • GS 3 : Environmental Pollution & Degradation , Growth & Development , Conservation.

Focus:

The Indian government’s initiative to promote green hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel for vehicles, aiming to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels while exploring its economic and environmental benefits.

Source: Energy Central

Government’s Forward – Thinking Approach

  • Financial Boost: MNRE has allocated Rs 496 crore to support pilot projects testing green hydrogen as a vehicular fuel or developing essential infrastructure.
  • Industry Collaboration: Leading commercial vehicle manufacturers like Tata Motors, Volvo Eicher, and Ashok Leyland are intensifying R&D efforts for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
  • Energy Sector’s Ambition: Indian energy companies aim to scale up green hydrogen production to make it competitive with other fuels.
  • Policy Support: Government initiatives like MNRE’s scheme are designed to encourage private sector involvement and innovation.
  • Market Potential: India stands to gain significantly from large-scale adoption of green hydrogen, both economically and environmentally.

Green Hydrogen: A Game-Changer for the Environment

  • Emission Reduction: Green hydrogen offers a pathway to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Strategic Benefits: India can achieve multiple objectives by adopting green hydrogen, such as reducing pollution, cutting fossil fuel imports, and meeting climate goals.
  • Global Leadership: India has the opportunity to become a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
  • Public Health: Reduced emissions can lead to improved air quality and public health outcomes.
  • Resource Optimization: Utilizing renewable energy for green hydrogen production can help in optimal utilization of natural resources.
Colours of Hydrogen : Understanding the Difference

·     Green Hydrogen: Produced from water electrolysis using renewable energy sources, resulting in zero emissions.

·     Grey Hydrogen: Predominantly produced from natural gas through energy-intensive processes, leading to high carbon emissions.

·     Blue Hydrogen: Sourced from fossil fuels, but with carbon capture and storage capabilities.

·     Environmental Impact: Green hydrogen has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to grey hydrogen.

·     Sustainability: Green hydrogen is a more sustainable option for long-term energy needs.

·     Environmental Considerations: Green hydrogen is the most environmentally friendly option among the three.

·     Carbon Footprint: Grey hydrogen has the highest carbon footprint, followed by blue and green hydrogen.

A Comprehensive Plan for the Transport Sector

Scheme Objectives and Implementation

  • Technical Validation: MNRE aims to validate the technical feasibility and performance of green hydrogen as a transportation fuel.
  • Economic Assessment: Evaluation of the economic viability of green hydrogen-powered vehicles is a key objective.
  • Safety and Operational Excellence: Demonstrating the safe operation of hydrogen-powered vehicles and refuelling stations is crucial.
  • Implementation Strategy: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will appoint an agency to oversee scheme implementation.
  • Project Timeline: Executing agencies are required to complete pilot projects within a two-year timeframe.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: The Future of Transportation?

  • Hydrogen ICE Vehicles: Utilize hydrogen through combustion, similar to diesel and petrol cars, but without carbon emissions.
  • Hydrogen FCEVs: Convert hydrogen into electricity, producing only water as a byproduct.
  • Weight Advantage: FCEVs are lighter than battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to the lightweight nature of hydrogen.
  • Payload Capacity: FCEVs can carry freight similar to diesel trucks without the weight penalty of batteries.
  • Energy Efficiency: Research indicates that FCEVs are more energy-efficient than hydrogen ICE vehicles.

Note: 

FCEV stands for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine

Challenges in Adopting Green Hydrogen as a Vehicular Fuel

  1. High Production Costs: The prohibitive cost of green hydrogen production is a major barrier to its large-scale adoption in the transportation sector.
  2. Infrastructure Limitations: Current storage and transportation infrastructure is inadequate for supporting widespread use of green hydrogen as a fuel.
  3. Fuel Cost Competition: To compete with battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the cost of green hydrogen needs to be between $3 and $6.5 per kilogram by 2030, a significant reduction from current prices.
  4. Safety Concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable, requiring the development of robust and fool-proof handling and safety standards at refuelling stations.
  5. Storage Challenges: Existing cylinders designed for compressed natural gas (CNG) are not suitable for high-pressure hydrogen storage, necessitating the development of specialized storage solutions.
  6. Technological Barriers: Despite its potential, green hydrogen-powered vehicles are not yet seen as a suitable alternative to four-wheel BEVs due to technological challenges.
  7. Regulatory Hurdles: A supportive regulatory framework is lacking, which is essential for fostering industry growth and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
  8. Market Penetration: Recent closures of hydrogen refuelling stations, such as those by Shell in California, highlight the challenges in achieving widespread market penetration and consumer acceptance.

Way Forward : A Roadmap for the Future

Cost, Infrastructure, and Safety

  • Cost Barriers: High production costs remain a significant obstacle to large-scale adoption of green hydrogen.
  • Infrastructure Limitations: Challenges in storage and transportation infrastructure need to be addressed.
  • Safety Protocols: Development of robust safety standards and handling procedures is imperative.
  • Innovation and Research: Continued technological innovation can help in reducing production costs and improving efficiency.
  • Regulatory Framework: Clear and supportive regulations are essential to foster industry growth.

Market Dynamics and Technological Innovation

  • Fuel Cost and Market Competition: Green hydrogen needs to be priced competitively to challenge battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
  • Market Realities: Recent closures of hydrogen refuelling stations highlight challenges in market penetration.
  • Technological Advancements: Innovations in high-pressure cylinder design and safety standards are crucial.
  • Consumer Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can help in promoting the benefits of green hydrogen.
  • Collaborative Efforts: Public-private partnerships can accelerate technological advancements and market growth.

Conclusion: 

Green hydrogen holds immense promise as a clean, efficient, and versatile alternative fuel. However, realizing this potential requires concerted efforts from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to overcome existing challenges. With strategic investments, technological advancements, and supportive policies, India can pave the way for a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem powered by green hydrogen.

Source:Indian Express

Mains Practice Question

Discuss the potential of green hydrogen as a sustainable alternative fuel for the transportation sector in India. Highlight the opportunities, challenges, and policy measures needed to promote its large-scale adoption.

Associated Articles:

https://universalinstitutions.com/indias-green-hydrogen-challenge/