Green Hydrogen, A New Ally For A Zero Carbon Future

Context: In order to achieve the goal of an alternative source of energy, governments are placing large bets in the hope of adopting a multi-faceted practical approach to utilise ‘Green hydrogen’ as a driving source to power.

Prospects of ‘Green hydrogen’

• Superior energy properties: Hydrogen is the most abundant element on planet and it has an energy density almost three times that of diesel.
• Zero-carbon emissions potential: As no carbon is emitted on burning hydrogen.
  • Key element in global plans of ‘net-zero’ emission and restricting global warming to remain under 1.5° C.
  • Health potential: As, in 2018, 8.7 million people died prematurely as result of air pollution from fossil fuels.
• India’s prospects: In leading energy transition, climate mitigation and ensuring energy security.
  • Meeting rising power demand: According to IEA’s forecast, India will overtake the European Union to become world’s third energy consumer by the year 2030.
  • Decarbonising Indian Railways and other sectors: Experimental hydrogen-fuel cell technology-based train to run on 89 km stretch between Sonepat and Jind. This exhibits huge potential including diesel savings of lakhs annually, prevent emission of 0.72 kilo tons of particulate matter and 11.12 kilo tons of carbon per annum. 

Challenges in adopting ‘Green hydrogen’

• Availability: Though hydrogen is abundant, it is rarely available in pure form. Producing hydrogen from fossil fuels defeat the ‘green’ purpose whereas production by electrolysis of water requires considerable amounts of energy.
• Exorbitant prior to use cost: As to compress or liquify the LH2 (liquid hydrogen), it needs to be kept at a stable minus 253° C, far below minus 163° C at which Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is stored.
• High production cost: According to studies by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), the production cost of this ‘green source of energy’ is expected to be around $1.5 per kilogram, by the year 2030, yet to be seen.

Conclusion: India needs proactive policies towards decarbonising the economy and adopting ‘Green hydrogen’ as an environment-friendly and safe fuel for the next generations.