NEWS – GAIL (Gas Authority of India Ltd) has successfully commissioned its first green hydrogen plant in Madhya Pradesh, a significant step towards alternative energy sources and aligning with the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Details

• The plant is capable of producing 4.3 tonnes of hydrogen per day using a 10 MW proton exchange membrane Electrolyzer.
• The imported electrolyzer from Canada enables the electrolysis of water using renewable energy, yielding green hydrogen with 99.999% purity.
• Part of India’s goal to establish 5 million tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030 under National Green Hydrogen Mission

Usage and Distribution

• Initially, the hydrogen will be used for captive purposes in existing processes and equipment at the Vijaipur plant.
• Plans include dispensing hydrogen to retail customers in nearby areas.

National Impact

• Reflects India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting energy needs sustainably.

Other Green Hydrogen Initiatives in India

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is setting up a green hydrogen plant in Mathura to replace grey hydrogen for clean fuel production.
• Reliance Industries is planning the ‘Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex’ in Jamnagar for green energy manufacturing, including hydrogen production.
• Adani Group aims to become the world’s largest green hydrogen producer.

NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION

• Aim: To make India a Global Hub for the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy responsible for coordination and implementation

Components

1. Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT)
   • Incentives for manufacturing electrolysers
   • Incentives for production of green hydrogen
2. Support for pilot projects in emerging sectors and production pathways.
3. Identification and development of Green Hydrogen Hubs in regions capable of large-scale production/utilization.
4. Development of an enabling policy framework and robust Standards and Regulations.
5. Facilitation of a public-private partnership framework for R&D (Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership–SHIP).
6. Coordinated skill development programme.

Mission Outcomes by 2030

• Development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW.
• Over Rs. Eight lakh crores in total investments.
• Creation of over Six lakh jobs.
• Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore.
• Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

GREEN HYDROGEN

• Hydrogen: Simplest chemical element, atomic number 1.
• Characteristics: Light, storable, non-polluting.
• Green Hydrogen: Made using clean electricity (from solar, wind) to electrolyse water.
  • Electrolysers split water into hydrogen and oxygen, emitting zero-carbon dioxide.
• End-to-end green: Powered by renewables, uses water, emits no carbon.
• Applications: Fuel cells for vehicles/power, heating systems, chemicals, fertilizers.