In a pioneering move, the Indian government has announced a specific emission limit for hydrogen, furthering its commitment to a greener future. On Saturday, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy defined that for hydrogen to be classified as “green,” it must adhere to a set limit of two kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions for each kilogram of hydrogen produced from renewable sources.
This announcement not only brings much-needed clarity to the domain of green hydrogen production in India but also sets an international precedent. “With this notification, India becomes one of the first countries in the world to announce a definition of green hydrogen,” the ministry declared, signifying the emissions that will be accounted for in the process.
India’s goals extend beyond mere regulation. The nation has the ambition to emerge as a global nexus for green hydrogen production. The country’s vision involves producing an astounding 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen fuel annually by 2030. If realized, this target could curtail carbon emissions by approximately 50 million tonnes and generate savings of more than $12 billion on fossil fuel imports.
The path to this ambitious goal isn’t without its complexities. India’s current hydrogen consumption largely depends on fossil fuels, and the transition to green hydrogen necessitates a technological and infrastructural overhaul. The hydrogen, although emitting only water when used as a fuel, demands electrolysis plants to separate water molecules, an energy-intensive process that the government now aims to regulate and optimize.
Earlier this year, it was reported that India’s initial suggestion was a limit of 1 kg of CO2 emissions for green hydrogen. The final announcement, while twice this threshold, aligns with India’s role as a leader in renewable energy, particularly in the context of its rotating presidency of the Group of 20.
Though the commencement of green hydrogen production is not anticipated until 2026, India has proactively engaged in bilateral agreements with key international players like the European Union and Japan to initiate the export of this innovative fuel.
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
