Green Hydrogen Mission: Mastering 2030 Targets & Hubs for UPSC
Q. With reference to the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), consider the following statements:
1. To be certified as 'Green', the hydrogen production process must not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced.
2. The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme provides incentives for electrolyzer manufacturing.
3. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal authority for accrediting agencies under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Context
India is entering a decisive phase in its energy transition, aiming to become a developed nation by 2047 and achieve Net Zero by 2070. The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), launched in 2023, serves as an umbrella program to establish a green hydrogen ecosystem, reducing fossil fuel imports and decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors.
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green Hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy (solar or wind) rather than fossil fuels. The process involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.
Key Specifications:
- Emission Standard: Hydrogen is considered "green" if total emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent for every 1 kg of hydrogen produced.
- Biomass Route: It can also be produced from biomass (e.g., agricultural waste) provided emissions remain below the same limit.
- Renewable Capacity: By 2030, the Mission aims for 125 GW of new renewable energy capacity dedicated to production.
Mission Targets for 2030
- Production: At least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) of Green Hydrogen annually.
- Investment: Over ₹8 lakh crore.
- Employment: Creation of more than 6 lakh jobs.
- Import Reduction: Savings of over ₹1 lakh crore in fossil fuel imports.
- Environment: Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Schemes and Frameworks
1. SIGHT Scheme
The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme has an outlay of ₹17,490 crore up to 2029-30. It provides financial incentives for:
- Manufacturing of electrolyzers.
- Production of Green Hydrogen.
2. Green Hydrogen Hubs
In October 2025, three major ports were recognized as Green Hydrogen Hubs:
- Deendayal Port Authority (Gujarat)
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (Tamil Nadu)
- Paradip Port Authority (Odisha)
3. Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI)
Launched in April 2025, it provides a framework to assess emissions across the production cycle.
- Mandatory: Obtaining a ‘Final Certificate’ is mandatory for facilities receiving government subsidies or selling hydrogen domestically in India.
- Nodal Authority: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
4. SHIP & R&D
The Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP) fosters public-private partnerships for R&D.
- A dedicated ₹400 crore R&D scheme is powering 23 projects.
- Collaboration includes institutions like BARC, ISRO, CSIR, IITs, and IISc.
Sectoral Pilots and Innovation
- Mobility: NTPC commissioned the world's highest altitude (3,650 m) Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Leh (5 intra-city buses).
- Transport: Pilots across 10 routes involving 37 fuel cell and hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Shipping: Port-based pilots at V.O. Chidambaranar and Deendayal ports. A Coastal Green Shipping Corridor is being developed between Kandla and Tuticorin.
- Fertilizers: Recent auctions for long-term supply of green ammonia at ₹55.75 per kg.
🎯 Analysis & Insights
Prelims mastery
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Reasoning: Statement 1 is correct as the process must not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced. Statement 2 is correct as the SIGHT scheme provides financial incentives for electrolyzer manufacturing. Statement 3 is correct as the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the designated Nodal Authority for certification.
Mains perspective
"The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a strategic pathway toward linking India's sustainability with self-reliance." Discuss the potential of Green Hydrogen in decarbonizing India's 'hard-to-abate' industrial sectors. (150 words)