The government has formally authorized the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with the declared goal of making India the worldwide center for the generation of green hydrogen. The Union Cabinet approved an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crore on Wednesday 4 January 2023 to create export opportunities for green hydrogen and its derivatives; decarbonisation of the energy sector; and use in mobility applications in order to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and indigenous manufacturing capacity. 

The Prime Minister of India first proclaimed India's Mission in his address in 2021. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is developing rules for the plan, which aims to encourage the development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per year. 

Potential of Green hydrogen

Green hydrogen is a clean-burning molecule that has the potential to decarbonize a variety of industries, including iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation. Green hydrogen presently is not commercially accessible. In India, the present cost is roughly Rs. 350- 400 per kg; it is anticipated to become profitable only at a manufacturing cost of less than Rs 100 kg. This is the goal of the hydrogen mission. 

Green hydrogen lower the costs of renewable power generation 

It reduces the cost of electrolysers, making green hydrogen generation cost-competitive. Green hydrogen might eventually replace fossil fuels and fossil feedstocks in fertilizer manufacturing, petroleum refining, steel manufacture, and transportation applications. 

Auto Sector

Before it can be used to power a car or truck, hydrogen fuel must be converted into electricity by a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell uses oxidizing chemicals to transform chemical energy into electrical energy via oxidation reduction processes. 

In the next coming years, Green hydrogen will play a significant role in combating climate change. The goal is to attract Rs 8 lakh crore in investment and create over 6 lakh employment by 2030.