With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the vulnerabilities of the global energy infrastructure are widely exposed. While Europe has despised Russia for its attacks on Ukraine, it still cannot cut ties with Russia as it depends majorly on the country for its fuel needs. India which exports 85% of its fuels has taken a lesson from the current situation. Not only have fuel prices gone up sharply, but the energy security deficiency has also come to light largely.
Green hydrogen which is being touted as the cleanest source of energy can be used safely to reduce our carbon footprint. Also, read why Green Hydrogen has become the Next Big Thing in Clean Tech. Companies worldwide are working to make this technology successful and are targeting to bring down costs to $2 per kg initially. India’s business giant, Reliance is also optimistic about green hydrogen and plans to enter aggressively in this segment. Recently, six Indian green energy developers have come together and formed the Independent Green Hydrogen Association (IGHPA) which aims to make India an export destination for green hydrogen and green ammonia. India is targeting to manufacture five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 under the National Hydrogen Mission.
The Indian government is taking various steps to popularize green hydrogen as it did with solar energy. It is looking at:
- Mandating a minimum of 10% green hydrogen use by refineries from 2023-24 which is estimated to further increase to 25% over the next five years.
- And a minimum of 5% for fertilizer industries starting 2023-24, which is estimated to further increase to 20% over the next five years.
The Indian government is looking at reducing the prices of green hydrogen to $1 per kg.
In another news, the Indian Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Shri Nitin Gadkari reached parliament in a green hydrogen-powered car. He has been urging fellow parliamentarians to start using electric vehicles for commuting and claims they can reduce costs to Rs. 10 from Rs.100 that they are paying now for fuel. The minister claims that with manufacturing now beginning in the country, imports will be curbed and new employment opportunities will be created in India. The minister also launched India’s first hydrogen-based advanced Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Toyota Mirai early this month.
